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Art of the Paper Cut - Papel Picado August 01 2018, 0 Comments
Papel picados are elaborate decorative cut paper designs found all over Mexico. Although commonly on display during secular and religious occasions, papel picados are seen in abundance during the Day of the Dead ceremonies. The history of this art form, as with all of Mexico's artistic past, is very interesting. Mesoamerican cultures such as the Otomi and the Aztec created images in their designs for use in rituals to combat disease, misfortune, dangerous spirits, and for protection.
Joanna Koerten, Amsterdam Vtynanky, Ukraine
Cut paper artistry is found in countries world-wide: China's long tradition with this artistic form began in the sixth century. Since the 16th century in Germany it's been called scherenschnitte. In Amsterdam during the 1650s the artist Joanna Koerten created landscapes using this artistic style. And in the Ukraine the art of vytynanky began in the fifteenth century and became an integral part of the country's decorative arts during the 19th century.
During the final decade of his life, Henri Mattise created many wonderful works of art using cut-out paper designs.
Peter Calleson Lisa Rodden
The art of paper cutting is not confined to the past. Today, contemporary artists continue to create exquisite elaborate works of art using cut paper. The article by SA Rogers "15 of the World’s Most Creative Papercraft Artists" tells us that the art of cutting paper is still a vibrant form of artistic expression. In Hannah Shaffer's article "A Cut Above: 10 Incredible Papercut Artists, we see a remarkable range of imaginative creative works when artists are most experimental with simple tools: paper and blade.
Some of the colourful Mexican papel picado designs can be seen on my Society 6 webpage. They're exuberant and fun to have around. Hope you enjoy them.
If you liked sugar skull designs, there's more to come...
Hasta luego
Val