Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, which throughout its history has produced beautifully crafted objects and inventions. There is something particularly attractive about elements of the natural world recreated in delicately folded paper forms, and animals and plants have been a favourite subject for origami artists. The evolution of mathematics has been reflected in ever more complex geometric paper creations, while digital technology has enabled intricately mapped patterns. This post brings together twenty examples of ingenious origami and folded paper art and design.

Here for Alba

Anish Kapoor creates large-scale sculptures which have an architectural quality about them. His sculptures are more about the artist’s expression than it is about expressing an idea or message.

Tapumes

Henrique Oliveira uses recycled “Tapumes” (sidings made of plywood in english) to create his sculpture and installations. Full of texture, color and movement, these pieces reflect a work path he chose while in school.

S.P.E.E.D. (Rapid firing spit wad shooter).

Nathan Dube was the first artist featured on Today in Art when I launched the site in November 2007.  Since then I have changed the style of how I post and I wanted to revisit Nathan to feature more of his work.  I love the childlike nature of his work as it invites the viewer to interact with it.  Another wonderful touch is the instructions that come with many of the pieces, illustrated like a comic.

The Hanging Man - silicon, paint and human hair - 140.0 x 50.0 cm

Sam Jinks creates amazing and erie hyperrealistic sculptures that you would expect to move at any moment.  Jinks’ attention to detail is superb.

TransNatural

I first found Lucy McRae when she was collaborating with Bart Hess.  Lucy’s latest work, TransNatural will be opening this Friday, February 19, 2010.  TransNatural explores “the crossover between nature and technology.”

Smallpox, HIV and an 'Untitled Future Mutation'

The thing I love most about these glass sculptures is my response when I realize what they are. At first glance I see beautiful 3-D glass sculptures that have been crafted with perfection. When I realize what they represent, I get a feeling of eeriness, awe and curiosity. Luke Jerram creates beautiful sculptures of really “ugly” viruses.

dark matter #01 - 800 x 650 x 450 cm

Dennis Feddersen thinks big and his sculpture truly invades the space it occupies.  Indoors or outside, his sculpture installations force their way into view as they overtake the surrounding environment.  There is an uncomfortable beauty that I find in these installations as they seem playfully dangerous.

Installation of KITA!!

These two Japanese artists create some pretty spectacular sculptures and installations using models and toys as inspiration.