Christina Johnston of International Arts & Artists and JANM’s Kelly Gates unpack Robert Lang’s Vertical Pond II (2014). All photos by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda unless otherwise noted.
In just a few short days, JANM will open Above the Fold: New Expressions in Origami, an inventive exhibition in which the traditional Japanese art of origami serves as the inspiration for innovative new sculptures, large-scale installations, and conceptual artworks from around the world. Above the Fold is curated by Meher McArthur and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.
Join us for the public opening on Sunday, May 29, or Members Only Preview Day on Saturday, May 28. In the meantime, enjoy the photographs that follow, which capture intrepid JANM and IA&A staff working hard to unfold and install the complex artworks in the show.
Condition reports have to be performed on every incoming piece before installation. Here, Christina and JANM’s Maggie Wetherbee inspect works by Yuko Nishimura.Kelly and Christina making sure the origami koi (carp) are in good shape.With fish successfully installed, the crew moves on to other objects.Maggie checks the condition of a piece by Miri Golan.Christina and Kelly installing Miri Golan’s piece.Clement Hanami and two assistants inspect Paul Jackson’s folded digital prints.Christina lines up Paul Jackson’s prints.One of the many pieces that make up Vincent Floderer’s large-scale installation, Unidentified Flying Origami (2002-current).The crew prepares to install the most challenging piece, Jiangmei Wu’s Ruga Swan (2014).Ruga Swan begins to take shape.Exhibition curator Meher McArthur, right, stops by to check on the installation progress. Photo by Carol Cheh.Several people have to help hold the sculpture in place while others work to secure it.
After much effort, the Ruga Swan finally comes together.The show is almost ready for the public. See you this weekend!
