Cutpaper

Cutpaper is a visual art form that uses paper as the primary medium, produced by cutting shapes, silhouettes, or patterns from a sheet or sheets of paper. The resulting images can be two-dimensional, with negative space forming the design, or can be layered to create depth when multiple cut sheets are arranged on contrasting backgrounds. The term encompasses a range of practices from traditional folk silhouettes to contemporary collage and papercut art, and it is closely related to kirigami, where cutting is combined with folding to produce three-dimensional forms.

Materials and techniques: Artists typically use scissors, craft knives, or digital cutting tools. Paper choices range from lightweight washi or tissue to cardstock or colored construction paper. The process often begins with a design drawn or printed on the paper, followed by careful cutting and removal of negative space, and final mounting on backing or display boards. Some practitioners build layers by cutting multiple sheets to create scenes, while others create intricate silhouettes within a single sheet.

History and cultural contexts: Paper-cutting has longstanding traditions in several cultures. Chinese jianzhi dates to at least the first millennium and features in festivals and decorative arts. European scherenschnitt developed in German-speaking regions and Poland, often producing lace-like profiles. In Japan, kirie or kirigami emphasizes precise cutting and can include folding for dimensional forms. In the 20th century, modern artists expanded cutpaper into large-scale color compositions.

Contemporary practice and display: Cutpaper appears in fine art, illustration, installation, and craft contexts, including murals, greeting cards, book design, and digital media adaptations. Preservation considerations include framing under glass, acid-free backing, and stable humidity to protect the paper from deterioration.