Folded book “Wig” by Crizu.
The most beautiful folded books I have seen in Singapore is… from Italy.
Artful transformation
Italian artist Cristina Corradi Bonino (Crizu) has shown her artfully folded old books at design and decorative arts trade shows in Europe such as Maison et Objets in Paris and the Furniture Fair in Milan.
A screen capture from Crizu’s website showing the artist’s work.
Now, a few of her works are on display—and for sale—at the Club 21 Gallery at The Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.
Bonino’s transformed books all have strong, stocky silhouettes but if you look closely, you will see that they are really just plain and fragile pages of a very old book folded this way and that.
But what a transformation they have undergone!
Severe shapes, subtle shades
Like all 3D objects, you have to see them in the flesh to truly appreciate their beauty.
Folded book “Wave” by Crizu. Movement!
Another view of ‘Wave”.
“Wave” is made up of folds like these.
One of the five had already been sold the day I visited. Go see it.
Folded book “Log” by Crizu.
Detail: There is a musical quality to the pieces.
Here’s the artist’s statement:
Crizu is Christina Corradi Bonino.
She loves books.
Books are marvels, full of promises and knowledge.
She folds old books.
She likes the patina and the smell.
It’s a job that could be done in a convent or a jail.
She does it anywhere there is a chair.
Time passes slowly, gestures repeated.
In a time of speed she is divinely anachronistic.
The book unfolds itself by touch and sight.
The result is something organic and minimal.
It reveals the time of man and his contemplation.
They have sold in many parts of the world to anyone
who is ready to be surprised by transformation and beauty.
Folded book “Lantern” by Crizu.
Shell: The right detail completes the art work.
See her Facebook.
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