‘You start off with this black piece of paper, or this question, and you don’t know what it is. Then as you sit there and start to carve away different pieces, it kind of reveals an image. At the end of it I don’t necessarily have an answer, but there is something about sitting with the question and working through them while I’m papercutting that helps ground me.’
– Bianca Levan
The word “cleave” is a contronym—a word with opposing definitions—meaning both to separate and to connect. Olive Hyde’s current exhibit “Connecting Cuts” explores this paradox through the medium of papercutting, showing how this one art form brings together people and cultures. Artists on display come from around the Bay Area, across the States and from China.
Papercutting is exactly what it sounds like: intricate designs created by carving shapes in positive and negative space into paper. The form is represented in cultures around the world, such as Indonesia, Poland, Germany, Mexico, China and Japan. Bay Area residents likely saw some examples of papel picado banners for Day of the Dead celebrations.
Guest curator Bianca Levan explored different art forms and music growing up, but none of them presented the chance for self-expression she was searching for until she stumbled upon papercutting. She remembers thinking, “This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! I’m gonna give that a try!” She continues. “My first papercutting was with a box cutter and a paper bag, and instantly I was just Oh sh– there’s something here.”
Some artists layer different colors of paper, or even turn the sheets into 3D art, but Levan prefers to work in 2D black and white. The process has a meditative quality. “You start off with this black piece of paper, or this question, and you don’t know what it is. Then as you sit there and start to carve away different pieces, it kind of reveals an image. At the end of it I don’t necessarily have an answer, but there is something about sitting with the question and working through them while I’m papercutting that helps ground me.”
The intricate work also gives the artist abundant time to ponder. Levan laughs, “Every single time I’m like, Why am I doing this? This makes no sense!” Still, the time and labor invested contribute to the overall power of the work. As do little imperfections along the way. “If you look closely, there are mistakes in [my papercutting.] Not every blade of grass is the same, or leaf is the same.”
In her works, Levan explores themes of mortality, change and identity, incorporating images of landscapes, the ocean, trees and roads symbolizing the “life paths that we’re all on.” Her work “Traveler, There is No Path, The Path is Made by Walking” shows a road winding through mountains in a dreamlike landscape. It connects to Levan’s feeling of lacking a defined path for her life, and the idea that keeping forward momentum is more important than knowing exactly where you’re going.
The works in the exhibit show how much variety of expression can fit into thin paper. For example, Melanie Kehoss brings both color and light to her papercutting with lightboxes that portray tableaus of history, such as the cocoa and sugar trades. Sam Wróbel combines a Polish form of papercutting with the colors of Louisiana in birds, people and crayfish.
This is Levan’s first curatorial experience, and she found the atmosphere at Olive Hyde Art Gallery collaborative and supportive. Home curator for the exhibit, Leah Andrews, said, “It’s been such a fulfilling experience collaborating with Bianca. She is not only a talented papercut artist, but she is so knowledgeable about her craft. Her ambition has shaped this project into an exhibition beyond expectations.”
“Connecting Cuts” will open Thursday, November 7. Those curious about the art of papercutting or the pieces on display can attend the opening reception on November 15, in-person tour on November 24, or a virtual talk on December 2.
Connecting Cuts
Thursday, Nov. 7 – Saturday, Dec. 14
Gallery hours: Thur – Sun; 12pm – 5pm
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
510.791.4357
olivehydeartguild.org
Opening Reception
Friday, Nov. 15
7pm – 9pm
In-Person Curatorial Tour
Sunday, Nov. 24
12pm – 1pm
Online Artist Talk
Monday, Dec. 2
6pm – 7pm
