REBLOOM
Two of my seaweed paper artworks were selected for the first bienniale of the International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA), ‘ReBloom’. The exhibition showcases 101 works of Paper Art by artists from 40 countries around the world, and takes place at the Hagen Castle in Bremischen, Germany, from April 21 – August 11, 2024.
The theme for the exhibition, ‘ReBloom’, revolves around paper's inherent potential to bring to life the memories and experiences it has absorbed. Featured artworks illustrate this and tell stories of renewed life and awakening that can be experienced with paper and the fibres of which it is made.
The paper in my 2 artworks, Perfect Poise and Upward Spiral, is made from cast seaweeds gathered from the shore. It is collaged on to wooden panels which have been painted a light colour to highlight the textures of the different seaweed papers. The images are presented to look like circular stained glass windows, encouraging symbolic interpretation
The images depict old, weathered seashells, which were cast ashore amongst the seaweed. Much of the outer part of the shells has been broken off, revealing the wonderful inner structure.
Just as the seaweed has ‘rebloomed’ through it’s processing into these paper artworks, so the shells have also ‘rebloomed’. Their outer, superficial beauty is gone, but age and rough times have allowed the inner beauty, strength and resilience to manifest.
For more information about the exhibition and venue see: https://burg-zu-hagen.de/event/iapma-biennale-2024-active-paper-rebloom/