Paper the way you have never seen it before
Li Hongbo is a Chinese artist, who uses an old honeycomb technique in order to create unique, flexible sculptures.
Li Hongbo: Statues in Motion from Todd Martin on Vimeo.
Interview with Li Hongbo.
1. Thank you, Li, for being part of Brave Folks. Tell us how did it all start, how did you get interested in art?
When I was a child, I liked to use paper to create handmade playthings, and sometimes I would even buy paper toys, since the material’s price was conveniently affordable – it imbued my childhood with a sense of unlimited happiness. After graduating college, when I was seeking to earn a living, I initially worked in graphic design. In graphic design, the multifaceted applications of paper as a medium emerged, thus, I collected a large quantity of paper goods and a wide variety of paper samples. New artistic techniques with paper and new technology emerged in my studio. With its characteristic cheap price, abundance, high degree of plasticity, and widespread popularization, I used paper, once again, to create my “giant toys,” namely, my artistic creations.
2. You use paper for creating these unique sculptures. How did you decide to use exactly this technique? Can you tell us more about it and the creation process?
When I first started practicing art, instead of drawing a person and having them pose still for hours, our professors would make us draw the busts of widely renowned sculptures. The busts became patient friends and mentors of mine and to this day I will remember the time I spent sketching them. To give new life and revitalize old memories using my own mode of expression, paper.
There is a Chinese saying, “Life is as fragile as paper.” which has left a deep impact on me.
Due to my past jobs, I’ve become very familiar with paper and aware of its importance to both - society and individuals. It also allowed me to explore paper’s hidden, broad expanse of uses.
After finding the image, the process begins by: stacking layers of sheets of paper one by one, attaching each with glue at specific points to create a honeycomb pattern. Each sheet is glued individually by hand until I’ve created a small block. Then use a woodworking saw to create the initial cuts, discarding excess paper and reducing the area of the block into the correct form. As the saw becomes impractical for cutting, I switch to an angle grinder. This allows me to get closer details. I put the finishing touches on the sculpture with sandpaper.
3. Have you experimented with other materials?
Yes, I have. Some of my recent works are made of metals, glass, and plastics.
© COURTESY KLEIN SUN GALLERY, © LI HONGBO
© COURTESY KLEIN SUN GALLERY, © LI HONGBO
4. How much time do you normally spend on one sculpture?
The amount of time varies, usually from a few weeks to a few months.
5. Where do you get inspiration from? How do you decide what to create next?
My creations are only a result of my thought process, and I hope viewers will enjoy what I create. However, if you were to ask me about my particular thought process, I would say that I pay attention to everybody in my life, and every little thing that surrounds me. Because of that my work is closely connected to daily life.
6. Your work has been showcased in museums worldwide. What is the feeling when you see it presented in front of so many people?
An object must captivate one’s interest before it can lead to broader, public attention. If, when facing a piece of artwork, one pays no attention to a familiar sight, then I believe that it has already lost the foundation of potential public acclaim. Namely, it can be quite difficult to spark the interest of the viewer.
© COURTESY KLEIN SUN GALLERY, © LI HONGBO