Monday, October 14, 2024

Precise Details and Architectural Contrasts Highlight Layla May Arthur’s Narrative Paper Sculptures

Must read



Art Craft Design

#architecture #Layla May Arthur #light #narrative #paper #sculpture #set design

Precise Details and Architectural Contrasts Highlight Layla May Arthur’s Narrative Paper Sculptures

An architectural sculpture made of paper.

“Where We All Meet” (2022), paper sculpture, 1 x 1 x 1 meter. All images © Layla May Arthur, shared with permission

Wielding the fundamentals of set design, Layla May Arthur assembles elaborate architectural spaces and visual narratives from paper. The Netherlands-based artist focuses on the interplay between light and shadow in intricate, three-dimensional dioramas that emphasize storytelling in window displays, brand identities, and gallery presentations. In pieces ranging from delicate, individual sculptures of staircases to large-scale, immersive installations, she instills a sense that the viewer is a part of the interactions of figures within each scene.

Since graduating from university in 2021, Arthur has focused on projects that emulate the visual drama of theatrical presentations, setting the stage for products in boutique windows and brand collaborations in addition to museum exhibitions. “I really enjoy being able to handcraft artworks to be used in photoshoots or installations where my work reaches an audience who might not ordinarily seek out art in an art space,” she tells Colossal. “I have had incredible clients so far who have given me huge creative freedom in acting as both art director and artist.”

Arthur emphasizes each incision, angle, and pattern of the meticulously cut pieces of white paper by spotlighting or illuminating from within. “I love being able to create an artistic experience which is part of the everyday and highlights the possibilities of craftsmanship,” she says.

Find more of Arthur’s work on her website, Behance, and Instagram, where she often shares videos of her process.

An architectural sculpture made of paper, illuminated from within.

“THE STORYTELLER, THE LISTENER, AND OUR STORY” (2021), paper and light Installation

An architectural sculpture made of paper.

“Where We All Meet” (2022)

Two images of an architectural sculpture made of paper.

Details of “Where We All Meet” (2022)

An architectural sculpture made of paper.

“Shop Window Set Design for Mary Jane Schoenenboetiek” (2021), paper sculpture

Two images of an architectural sculpture made of paper, illuminated from within.

Details of “THE STORYTELLER, THE LISTENER, AND OUR STORY” (2021)

A detail of an architectural sculpture made of paper, illuminated from within.

Detail of “THE STORYTELLER, THE LISTENER, AND OUR STORY” (2021)

A detail of an architectural sculpture made of paper, illuminated from within.

Detail of “THE STORYTELLER, THE LISTENER, AND OUR STORY” (2021)

n architectural sculpture made of paper, illuminated from within. Pictured with two people peering up at it.

Detail of “THE STORYTELLER, THE LISTENER, AND OUR STORY” (2021)

An architectural sculpture of a staircase made of paper, photographed on a teal paisley background.

“Forgotten Places – Remembered“ (2022), paper sculptures, 20 x 20 centimeters

A detail of an architectural sculpture made of paper.

Detail of “Shop Window Set Design for Mary Jane Schoenenboetiek” (2021), paper sculpture

A large-scale papercut artwork featuring a narrative of Jersey.

“Jersey; My Childhood Home” (2019), paper cutting, circumference 754 centimeters x 200 centimeters

The panels of a large-scale papercut artwork featuring a narrative of Jersey.

Panels from “Jersey; My Childhood Home”

An installation view of a large-scale papercut artwork featuring a narrative of Jersey.

Installation view of “Jersey; My Childhood Home”

#architecture #Layla May Arthur #light #narrative #paper #sculpture #set design

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. You’ll connect with a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about contemporary art, read articles and newsletters ad-free, sustain our interview series, get discounts and early access to our limited-edition print releases, and much more. Join now!

More articles

Latest article