Rice Gallery artist creates paper sculpture wonderland

Rice Gallery artist creates paper sculpture wonderland

BY JESSICA STARK
Rice News Staff

In the coming week, the Rice Gallery glass window showcases the creative talents of Brooklyn artist Kirsten Hassenfeld as she transforms ordinary paper into lit sculptures that resemble jewels, gigantic droplets and the onion domes of Russian architecture.

KIRSTEN HASSENFELD

Gallery visitors may watch Hassenfeld work with a variety of papers and vellums to complete the installation, “Dans La Lune,” which opens with a celebration from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27.

Hassenfeld begins her sculptures by creating patterns on a computer, precisely replicating the angular geometry of various cuts of gems and crystalline formations. Then she hand-cuts pieces of paper and uses traditional techniques — paper folding, rolling and coiling — to assemble the decorative components of each piece.

Her installation at Rice Gallery will be the largest she has ever created, with objects ranging from 6 to 8 feet in height and width. Hassenfeld said it would be her most technically ambitious work yet. “With paper, the minute is easy; the gigantic is extremely difficult,” she said.

In addition to the opening celebration, Hassenfeld will give a gallery talk at noon Sept. 28. A complimentary light lunch will be provided. All events are free and open to the public.

The Rice Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Thursday until 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The gallery is closed Mondays and university holidays.