Kogoshima’s paper-cutting artist exhibits ten years of her works, including new creations

PUBLISHED Jul 7, 2021

A Kirie paper-cutting work by Kuromaru Reina

Kuromaru Reina, a paper-cutting artist from Kagoshima, will hold a solo exhibition “KIRI WORKS: Kirie Exhibition – Past and Future Beginnings” from July 9 at Retroft Museo on the second floor of Retroft Building in Meizancho.

Creating Kirie (paper-cutting art) started as a hobby, and then Kuromaru began receiving commissions, which led her to pursue her career as a Kirie artist in 2010. Since then, she has created artworks for beer labels and confectionery store packages and held a solo exhibition at Yamakataya, an upscale department store in Kagoshima.

This exhibition will feature 40 works, mostly from 2010-2018. In addition to the works used in her original calendars created from 2011 to 2018 (about 32 pieces), the exhibition also includes works featuring Sakurajima and flora and fauna and works themed on Kagoshima. Kuromaru said, “The themes of my Kirie art are widely varied.” She also said that she has included three new works in the exhibition and incorporated the mud dyeing technique of Amami into her art.

It is an exhibition of ten years’ worth of her works, and she described her feelings toward her creations that have changed over the past few years: “I used to want people to feel that Kirie was a part of our daily lives and something familiar. But for a few years now, I have wanted to create something that would give a special feeling or emotion to people who see or hold my Kirie art. I began to think that I wanted to create something that would encourage people.”

“The three-dimensional feeling of paper, the use of colors, and the detailed cuts unique to Kirie can be better understood if you see them in person. Many of my works are themed on seasons, so please try guessing which season it is,” she added her message for visitors.

The exhibition is open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until July 11 (closes at 5:00 p.m. on the last day).

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