João Charrua is a talented origami artist from Portugal who creates stunning portraits of human faces with a single piece of paper. His works are characterized by intricate folds and expressive features that capture the essence and personality of his subjects. Charrua’s fascination with masks and their symbolic meaning inspires him to explore different emotions and identities through his paper sculptures. He says that masks are “like portals to our imagination” and that they allow him to express himself in a unique way.
Charrua started practicing origami as a hobby with his daughter about 13 years ago. He soon discovered the contemporary origami scene and was amazed by the level of detail and complexity that some artists could achieve. He decided to challenge himself and learn new techniques and models, especially those related to human faces. He often makes sketches and studies before folding the final piece, to ensure that he gets the proportions and angles right. He also experiments with different types of paper, colors, and textures, to enhance the visual impact of his works.
More info: Instagram.