March 25, 2016

Artist Shu Kubo is widely recognized for reviving kirié, the centuries-old art form of paper cutting that results in works so sharp and intricate, it’s hard to believe they’re made of paper. Shu Kubo is returning to Westphal to lead college-wide workshops taking place April 11-15. He’ll bring with him custom crafted Japanese paper, washi, to create collaborative works with students, and kirié techniques will be learned through the patterns of 17^th century Rinpa paintings. The final works will be exhibited in the URBN Center following the sessions. 

Shu Kubo’s linear works are cut from a single brown sheet of washi, the traditional paper used in kirié, creating images so finely detailed they appear to be prints or paintings. He’ll share his techniques, which infuse the traditional art form with a contemporary aesthetic, in a series of sessions which participants are free to pick and choose from or to attend series in full. Work sessions will be assigned during the week to accommodate those who are interested. Please email Graphic Design professor Shushi Yoshinaga at sy53@drexel.edu with the date(s) you’re interested in between April 11 and 15.

A pre-session will take place on Friday, April 1 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm (URBN Center, 4^th Floor) for students who interested in helping to prep the stylized pattern drawings that will be used in the workshop. On Friday, April 15 from 5:30pm to 7pm, join us in the URBN Center lobby for a reception, where the resulting works will be on display.