Ayumi Shibata’s paper-cut art pieces are proof that our world isn’t devoid of magic (yet). All you need is a piece of paper and some good lighting. Being talented doesn’t hurt either. “Kami is the Japanese word meaning ‘god’, ‘divinity’, or ‘spirit’,” writes Shibata on her website, “but it also means ‘paper’.”
Using the traditional method of Japanese paper cutting, Shibata layers dozens of pieces of paper, from which a complex image is constructed. She then places these paper pieces in glass vessels illuminated from within. In other words: she turns paper into magic.
According to Shibata, she uses the traditional method of Japanese paper cutting to bring attention to the delicate relationship we as humans have with our environment. “In the religion of Shinto, white paper is considered as a sacred material,” she explains. But though her techniques are rooted in tradition, her artwork speaks to our modern sensibilities. Now, more than ever.
You can witness the magic yourself by heading onto Shibata’s Instagram page.
