Origamic Architecture at the Japan Foundation

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The Japan Foundation, Toronto
131 Bloor Street West, 2nd floor of the Colonnade
www.jftor.org 416.966.1600 x229

Gallery hours:
Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursdays: 11:30 am - 7:00 pm
Special Saturday Opening: November 21, December 5, January 9 & 23, February 6: Noon - 5:00 pm

Closed:
Other Saturdays and Sundays, Fabruary 15 (Family Day)
Closed for Christmas and New Year: December 19, 2009 - January 3, 2010

Origamic Architecture involves the three-dimensional reproduction of architecture, geometric patterns, everyday objects, or other images on various scales using cut-out and folded paper, usually thin cardboard. Visually, these creations are comparable to intricate 'pop-ups', indeed, some works are deliberately engineered to possess 'pop-up'-like properties. However, origamic architecture tends to be cut out of a single sheet of paper, whereas most pop-ups involve two or more. To create the three-dimensional image out of the two-dimensional surface requires skill akin to that of an architect.

Varieties of existing buildings of the world, from historical to contemporary, are included in this show. All models are designed by the late Masahiro Chatani (1934-2008) single-handedly. Half of the exhibited models are freshly constructed in Toronto by local Canadian folders.

Admission: Free