Humans have long used a variety of materials as writing surfaces, including clay tablets, animal skins, silk, and even bones. Around 105 AD, the Chinese found a way to manufacture paper using tree bark and shredded cloth, which created a product that was cheaper and lighter than many of the previous options. While it was used for writing, paper was also used for many other purposes, including wrapping and padding items as well as creating stencils for textile printing, embroidery, and lacquerware. From China, papermaking and the art of papercutting first spread eastward to Korea and Japan and then moved westward towards India and Turkey – eventually making its way to Europe. From there, it traveled to the Americas with colonists. However, amatl, a paper-like material made from bark, had already been used for a variety of purposes, including cutting, in Mexico since at least 75 AD.

In this exhibit, attendees will see examples of amatl art alongside other elaborate paper pieces by artists from Asia, Europe, and the local area. Visitors can evaluate the symbolism of papercuts created in China during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 70s along with those featuring American historical commentary by contemporary artist Kara Walker. Despite differences in names and styles in languages and cultures, papercut art remains a truly global and timeless phenomenon.

This exhibition is sponsored by the descendants of Nadjeschda and Niels Overgaard, who inspired generations of the Overgaard family to celebrate their Danish heritage.