Reviving our times

• Main Author: Sun, Rui Tong
• Other Authors: Veronica Ranner
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Arts and Humanities; Chinese paper cutting; Kinetic installation; Light installation; Paper sculpture; Traditional Chinese art; Craftsmanship; Culture preservation
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/177679
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This FYP thesis explores the traits of traditional Chinese paper cuts, specifically the Guangdong paper cuts, to find out how to merge these cultural values and techniques into a kinetic paper cutting installation, as if bringing them back to life in modern settings. By casting moving shadows of symbolic motifs, they carry well wishes for this art form. This work reminds viewers that cultural heritage should not be constrained to its original form. External engagement with this art form is crucial in bringing it into a brighter future. We should look beyond what is already present to see this art form’s future potential. Humans are important vessels in bringing these heritages forward into the future with us as we progress to strike a balance between efficiency and craftsmanship by merging traditional with modern aesthetics. Chinese paper cutting is not only a form of art expression, but a medium for the people to tell their stories and lifestyles. With rich history behind its content and symbolisms taken from real life, this art form captures the way of life, our values and who we were that led us to where we are now. However, many traditional heritage handicrafts, including the Chinese paper cutting, are slowly fading out from public’s view. Fewer people appreciate this form of craft as it is time-consuming and requires high-level of skill to create. I studied the traits of the Foshan paper cutting and consolidated them into three main factors: alternating between reality and fiction, use of interconnected lines and cultural-centred topics and themes of the illustrations. This project focuses on these three traits to create symbolic narratives that are hung to create moving shadows. They symbolise the rediscovery and revival of this art form and offer alternate possibilities for it. Participants would be reminded of the beauty of their roots, cultural identity, and their roles in preserving this form of art.