Finding it hard living without the inspirations from the 13th Venice International Architecture Biennale now that it's over (the first image in this post refers to the "40,000 Hours" installation in Venice)? Don't despair: there are currently smaller yet equally inspiring events about architecture scattered here and there all over the world that are also family friendly and therefore perfect for the Christmas vacations. Let's briefly look at two of them in this post.
The first event is the exhibition “Architectures de Papier” at the City of Architecture and Heritage (Palais de Chaillot, 1 Place du Trocadéro, 75116 Paris, until March 17, 2013).
This exhibition features real and imaginary architectural works, paper universes and reproductions of iconic buildings in miniature by a series of different artists - Ingrid Siliakus, Peter Callesen, Béatrice Coron, Stephanie Beck and Mathilde Nivet - and focuses on what is known as “Paper Architecture”, that is the art of creating an object out of a single piece of paper.
Amsterdam-based Siliakus is actually considered as one of the best paper architects and artists around. Inspired and fascinated by the originator of this art form, Japanese Professor Masahiro Chatani, Siliakus recreates with paper buildings of master architects and intricate abstract sculptures that at times call to mind the works of M.C. Escher.
Callesen's avant-garde paper cuts are made following one main principle, trying to transform A4 sheets of paper from flat surfaces into three-dimensional structures that expand into the space surrounding them.
Béatrice Coron is instead a visionary paper artist who cuts stories out of paper and Tyvek and has so far created illustrations, artworks, books and public art, exhibiting in many major institutions, including New York's Metropolitan Museum.
Focusing on the ideas of fragility and transience in the architecture of the public and private spaces in which we live, Stephanie Beck recreates buildings perforating or cutting paper and designing paper constructions intended as sculptures and installations.
A textile designer and paper artist, Mathilde Nivet works for major clients, designing paper universes, buildings and modern installations often employed by popular brands for advertising campaigns, as sets for fashion-related photoshoots or as props in shops, boutiques and hotels.
The “Architectures de Papier” event also includes workshops for children (from 4 years on) that will allow them to explore this material, and learn how to carve, fold and cut it to create unusual buildings.
The second architectural event worth mentioning is the one entitled “Constructing Play: Classic Building Toys”, taking place at the Philadelphia Center for Architecture (1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia; open seven days a week until January 24, 2013).
This successful event is actually in its fourth year and it allows visitors to learn the history of famous construction toy systems such as Lincoln Logs, Legos, Erector Sets and K'Nex while discovering famous local buildings in miniature and learning how structures stay up. The “Constructing Play” event has also got a hands-on section where visitors can show their building skills.
If paper inspires you more than construction systems, watch this TEDx lecture by Béatrice Coron talking about her career and visionary works.
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