Post 6 a. - Artist Research

 Post 6 - Papercraft Research

Papercraft is an umbrella term for craft, that (as the name suggests) uses paper as the primary medium for creation. It is a flexible art form, ranging from 2D cut-outs and card craft all the way to the complexity of origami and sculpture. This art form offers a multitude of creative techniques and outlets. Here, the paper can be folded, curved, bent, glued, cut, molded, or layered, allowing artisans to engage in the medium in various ways, compatible with their own artistic processes.

One of those many techniques is the creation of 3D paper models, a process that relies heavily on the correct folding, cutting, and gluing of the paper to create desired forms.

Although by definition straightforward, this technique is not as simple as it seems. Its success depends widely on the blueprint required for the execution of the desired form. This process can often require digital 3D models and even mathematical correctness.

A prime example of this papercraft form is the work of Lucie Thomas and Thibault Zimmermann, commonly known as Zim&Zou. This French duo focuses on the creation of intricate objects from tangible materials, most often paper.

The incredible duo of paper masters Lucie and Thibault, met in art school while undergoing a graphic design program, but decided to take a different path. Joining forces to pursue their passion for paper, they created Zim&Zou, indulging themselves in a world of color and boundless possibilities that paper offers. Their work is known worldwide and cherished for not only the artisans' extraordinary precision, attention to detail, and complexity, but also for storytelling and aesthetically pleasing forms. Astonishingly, their models and sculptures are entirely handmade, from the drawings to the cutouts. Due to these factors, it's no wonder that Zim&Zou have experienced such a scale of success, with their art being exhibited in some of the most prominent museums in the world. 

Like the rest of their work, "Exodus" has received a lot of attention for its photography and craft, but those are not the only features that make it so special. This 3-month, personal project consisting of 8 different fictional aircraft, is applauded for the artisans' creativity and effective use of color to create an intentional nostalgic aesthetic. It is an 'ode to travel' and the wonder of the unknown, just as well as it serves as a memory of the past. A journey from the known into the unknown, which brings to mind the very origin of Zim&Zou, from a three-year course in graphic design and advertising into the uncertainty of a career in papercraft. Whether or not my hypothesis on this is correct, the atmosphere created by this artwork is telling in its own essence. 

Storytelling aside, however, the result of this work is that of spectacular scenery where the biggest observational feature is the incredible level of skill and precision dedicated to every little detail in each of the eight sculptures. Upon further examination of these artists and their work, it has come to my attention that it is this level of detail, unique form, and aesthetic color palettes that make them stand out from other papercraft artists. Precision and detail in themselves work almost like a trademark for Zim&Zou, thus enabling their work to be recognizable amongst others as pieces created by "those two design kids who pursued papercraft instead." Truly amazing just what can be achieved through passion and determination.

While studying these artists, this attention to detail and precision was to me the most inspiring aspect of the work of Zim&Zou. Their art has made me understand the importance of precision in my own papercraft project, especially in regard to symmetry and detailing. Through their work, Zim&Zou have created their own, new world of papercraft, and redefined what it can be given the chance. Though I was aware that 3D modeling as a form of papercraft can be amazing, it was their work that has shown me just how much.