Origami as Architecture
November 4, 2004 - April 10, 2005
Origami as Architecture showcased traditional origami and new Japanese paper art forms inspired by architecture. The exhibition complemented the Museum's exhibition Five Friends from Japan: Children in Japan Today and provided an unusual opportunity to celebrate the popular Japanese art of paper folding and the art of designing buildings.
In Origami as Architecture, works from origami architecture master Takaaki Kihara from Japan were displayed, including some of the world's largest works of origami architecture (reproductions of the U.S. Capitol and Mount Vernon), as well as small reproductions of the Sydney Opera House, the Arc de Triomphe, and the White House. In addition, the work of Japanese paper artist Kazukiyo Kurosu was presented. Kurosu transforms a single piece of paper into three-dimensional structures, figures, and other objects by cutting it in such a way that the sculptural object remains attached to the base paper. His paper sculptures of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Tokyo Tower, a statue of Buddha, and other traditional Japanese objects are in the exhibition. Curated by the Museum's education department staff, Origami as Architecture also offered visitors a guided experience in creating their own works of origami.
Origami as Architecture was on display in the Museum's Building Learners Gallery. The Building Learners Gallery features projects that interest young people, and in most cases, are created by them. Its exhibitions are an outgrowth of the Museum's school, family, and outreach programs, which teach young people about design processes. Design involves identifying problems or needs, imagining solutions, and testing them before building the best design, with learning by doing being central to the process. In keeping with this educational approach, each exhibition in the Gallery incorporates activities complementing the objects on display.
