Kanako Abe’s art transcends the ordinary, merging the delicate charm of human silhouettes with the evocative beauty of nature. Her work is a dance between precision and imagination, intertwining the lives of children and young adults with ethereal landscapes. In each piece, the paper comes alive with the vibrant depth of forests under a moonlit sky, or the gentle motion of fish weaving through water. Using the traditional Japanese Kirie technique, Abe’s art echoes the quiet strength and resilience found in nature. This method, involving intricate cuts into a single sheet of paper, challenges the artist to precisely balance positive and negative space, ensuring her designs remain intact. Each silhouette, with its carefully connected lines, tells a silent story—capturing moments where nature and humanity fade seamlessly into one another.
Abe’s creative process is not only a technical endeavor but also a meditative journey. The methodical nature of her craft offers her a space to contemplate the deeper emotions and thoughts that weave through daily life. Indeed, her paper cut art acts as a conduit for exploring and expressing the complexities of the human experience. By incorporating elements of natural landscapes, she reflects themes of growth, transformation, and acceptance. Her work is an illustration of the art of letting go, as it softly whispers the truth that every moment held in paper is as transient as the cycle of life it represents. Through the harmonious blend of human and nature, Abe invites us to experience a unique narrative, where the silence of paper speaks louder than words.
I don’t have a chance to change the design once I start cutting, so I find it challenging. I have to think of the right patterns, controlling negative space, and make sure all the lines are connected so the art won’t fall apart once it’s finished. (…) I find the process of art-making is a way for me to meditate on everyday thoughts and emotions, and it’s much easier for me to express complex feelings or emotions visually than verbally. The cycle of nature teaches us about the power of letting go or accept things as they are and that there’s a silver lining in everything.
Kanako Abe
More info: Website, Instagram.
