Lighter than a wing
Smaller than a sugar cube
A three-dimensional model of the box.

A miniature 3D model of "overlapping boxes" made from blue graph paper. Made only from paper and paper tape, it is small, light as a wing, and delicate. It is housed in a specially made wooden box.

"Paper Study Pieces 2" is a paper model that the artist made as a preliminary step to creating "The Inner Mechanism of the Mechanism II" for confirmation purposes. The artist liked it so much that he kept it in his studio, and he had it recreated specially for Fragile Books.

The impetus for the Paper Study Pieces series was his work on "The Inner Mechanism of Mechanism II," which he began working on using architectural joints and connections as a clue. During this production process, he made a small-scale model of almost the same size as this one. The Inner Mechanism of Mechanism series is a work that symbolizes a major turning point for the artist. In the process of moving into a new style of work that was different from his previous works, he made a three-dimensional paper model that was much smaller than the actual size and considered its appearance objectively.

Due to the small size of this work and the characteristics of the medium of paper, the artist first created a flattened diagram (of the box unfolded) and then developed the shape of the box like origami.The artist told us that this creative process was a fun experience for him as well.

Typically, the process of creating a sculpture using wooden boards begins with creating a plan and elevation drawing on a computer while imagining how the piece will rise from each surface. Next, paper templates are prepared for each part based on the drawings, the wooden parts are cut out one by one according to the paper templates, and finally, the wooden parts are assembled by hand using glue.

The reason why he does not use 3D software such as CAD is because he wants to "encounter" what is happening physically in front of him, and to value the "process of understanding with his hands and head". This is an interesting episode that gives a glimpse of the artist's physical senses contained within his intricate works, and the real pleasure of the Paper Study Pieces series is being able to witness this process. No matter how accurate the numerical values are, subtle differences will occur depending on the condition and characteristics of the wood, and the climate, so in the end, he adjusts the shape by the feel of his hands.

Personally, it reminds me of a strange nostalgia, similar to that of a favorite toy or a treasured paperback book from my youth. It's a work that I look forward to seeing as it wears down over the years.

Text by Kenya Nakazawa (FRAGILE BOOKS)