Week 6A: Paper Research

 https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2017/01/colorful-paper-village-installations-for-hermes-by-zim-zou/

 

Explain the work as you understand it (2-3 paragraphs), and seek out additional information on the internet (i.e. videos, articles, or interviews) to expand on the artist's ideas or processes. 

Using colourful paper, French artists Lucie Thomas and Thibault Zimmermann made a miniature mushroom village called  “Forest Folks”. The little village depicts a miniature lifestyle of those surrounded and governed by nature. The colour scheme is overall warm, but uses complementary colours to bring a discord that draws the eye to the piece. The two artists go by the names Zim and Zou, completely handcrafting everything they make. From cutting to glueing, the two partners use precision and skill to manipulate their medium. Paper is their favourite medium because of its versatility, however they also use tangible things like wood or thread. 

Since all their paper craft works are hand cut, folded, and glued, they are incredibly time consuming, however they are constructed with care. When making a piece, Zim and Zou have the goal of telling a narrative story. As seen on their website, the two first make pencil sketches and notes of what they wish to create, before starting on blueprints. Though most of the information about their work process isn't public knowledge, their website states that they “Roll away from computer design” which can be inferred that they even make their plans and blueprints by hand!

Explain how/why this artist/work inspires you or why you selected it for your review (1-2 paragraphs)

The first things that caught my eye was the brightness of their work. Each paper craft made by this duo utilises bright, saturated colours, and “Forest Friends” in particular uses my favourite colour combo. The next thing that drew me in was the intricacy and detail put into each piece. No element was left out, everything was well thought out and decorated. Individually, any of the mushroom houses are highly impressive, but seeing them all together on display creates such a narrative that I can't look away.