Chie Hitotsuyama has elevated the use of recycled materials to an art form, transforming old newspapers into awe-inspiring, lifelike animal sculptures. Her creations stand out for their meticulous attention to detail, each piece crafted entirely by hand by skilfully rolling and twisting countless sheets of newspaper. This labor-intensive process not only demands an immense stockpile of paper and adhesive but also requires a deep understanding of the animals’ anatomy to capture their form with startling accuracy. By utilizing the existing colors within the newspapers, Hitotsuyama enhances the realism of her sculptures, achieving subtle shifts in tones that replicate the natural textures and shades of animal fur and skin.
What sets Hitotsuyama’s work apart is her profound commitment to authenticity and her intent to highlight humans’ shared existence with wildlife. Each sculpture serves as a demonstration of the tranquil and mundane activities of the animals’ daily lives, underscoring their roles as fellow inhabitants of our planet. Her life-sized artistic endeavors invite us to reflect on the intricate beauty and diversity of the natural world, encouraging a sense of unity and respect toward all living creatures. Through her art, Hitotsuyama not only celebrates the magnificence of wildlife but also raises awareness of environmental sustainability and the potential of repurposed materials in artistic expression.
More than anything else, I’m particular about the realistic feel of the animals. (…) Animals that live in nature are equal to us in the sense that we live together on this planet. Sometimes they sleep. Sometimes they eat. They are living ordinary everyday lives just like us. I would like to keep insisting on reality and producing my life-sized work as much as possible in order to convey their lives.
Chie Hitotsuyama
More info: Website, Instagram.
