Works of Paper

Paper arts from the permanent collection

PAPERCENTRIC, AN EXHIBITION FEATURING PAPER ARTS FROM THE MUSEUM’S PERMANENT COLLECTION,

features works that use paper as the primary material rather than a substrate for other mediums. Works in this exhibition emphasize the simplicity, flexibility, strength, and fragility of paper and honor the material as a medium in its own right.

Through techniques including cast paper, papier maché, embossed paper, cut paper, and paper sculptures, artists explore the expressive possibilities of paper itself. Abstract sculptural works by Barbara Bock and Susan Wing show the malleability of paper and its potential to transform the space around it in subtle ways. A large playful work titled Souvenirs by Barton Lidicé Beneš includes currency that has been folded into a sculpture that is in some way iconic of its country; the square for England holds a 1978 one pound bill folded into a paper tea bag bearing Queen Elizabeth’s portrait. Also included is Sammy Vigil’s prison-art cross constructed out of cigarette wrappers made while he was incarcerated. Paper folding is one of several prison art forms that demonstrates the ingenuity and resourcefulness of incarcerated individuals seeking creative outlets. Other artists included in Papercentric are Jeannie Meejin Yoon, Catalina Delgado-Trunk, Michelle Stuart, Robert Hooton, Judy Tuwalestiwa, Judy Chicago, and Brian Blount.

Barton Lidicé Beneš, Souvenirs, 1983, collage with paper constructs, Albuquerque Museum, gift of the Albuquerque Museum Foundation from the Lucia v.B. Batten Estate, PC2015.26.192

Below: Judy Chicago, Double Head, 1986, oil on handmade cast paper with Soluvar varnish, Albuquerque Museum, gift of Russell Hamilton, PC1997.18.1

ON VIEW

PAPERCENTRIC

February 26 – August 28, 2022