Origami: Simple method, Complicated looks

Origami is the art of extracting beauty from a blank sheet of paper. The Japan Foundation hosted an event featuring Tomoko Fuse, a self-learned Origami artist, who creates a wide variety of origami. Practicing the art of Origami since the age of eight, she gets her inspiration from people and nature. She feels that there is much more to unfold about this art than just paper folding. Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, which started around the 17th century A.D. and since then has evolved from just a paper boat to unbelievable human portrait and humungous sculptures.

In an era where technology prevails over everything, Origami has lost its essence. In India however, if you visit rural areas then there is still a possibility of finding the essence of this art even now. This art is becoming not extinct though, as it is catching up with the modern times. Now you can also find schools teaching this art-form or holding workshops to educate people about the magic of paper.

Tomoko Fuse, in a lecture and demonstration organized by the Japan Foundation, , showcased her experience in Origami and showed how the art has developed over the years. Although there are artists who create astounding pieces by using multiple sheets of papers, Tomoko believes in doing the same by using only a single sheet of paper. Some of her most amazing art-works have been made by making minute folds to a big sheet of paper. Sometimes she herself is surprised by the end result. One of the designs she showcased was a pentagon ball-like origami structure which she had made with double colored paper and the final product had various intricate designs in it.

She doesn’t know how many folds she does or how much time it takes but she enjoys making each and every piece. She believes that origami is an art that can be done with any type or shape of paper.

A purist origami design is made from a single sheet of paper which is then sometimes painted or cut etc. Tokomo also creates designs with multiple sheets of paper. Some of her designs can also be used as a secret storage place (sounds great, isn’t?).

Apart from that, she has also made installations that are 3D structures which can be compounded into 2D designs.

Types of Origami, by Tokomo Fuse:

• One Sheet No Cut – Simple: Made with a single sheet, looks complex but is an easy to make structure.
• One Sheet No Cut – Complex: Made with a single sheet but a different technique is used which is very complex.
• One Sheet No cut: Mask Old and New: Here Tokomo presented three masks by her and two other artists.
• Unit Solid
• Unit Box
• Tessellations: This is another form of Origami that makes the piece look like a jute-knitted mat.
• Double Layer Whirlpool Pattern
• Crimp: Crimp is another form which was introduced by Tokomo called ‘Kuchad Muchad style of origami’.
• Tape: Structures made with a single tape/string of paper.
• Spiral: A new interest and trial by Tokomo.

Tokomo has written several books on the art of Origami and has been displaying her art in various countries like Germany, UK etc. She is also actively involved in promoting and educating people about this art-form across the globe. Who thought that a single sheet of paper can be turned into beautiful objects? Let’s hope that this endeavor by the Japan Foundation can help reinvigorate Origami as an art form in India.

Pictures Courtesy : Kuldeep Pundhir, OneWorldNews