Paper Cosmologies

What happens when innate, creative impulse blends with personal and cultural histories?

Japanese artists began making kirié or paper cut works in the early 7th century CE, when the tradition was introduced from China. At the same time, washi—paper made from plant matter, usually mulberry bark—was also introduced to Japan from the Asian continent. Originally used for the woodblock print-production of Buddhist texts, washi provided the strength and flexibility necessary to accept hundreds or even thousands of fine cuts, without disintegrating and still retaining its intended shape.

Hiromi Mizugai Moneyhun began practicing kirié in 1997as a way to satisfy her creative aspirations and personal interest in slow, methodical, and highly detailed work. Drawing on Japanese cultural histories and worldviews, Moneyhun began making paper cut art with increased complexity. In her Ukiyo series, the artist recalls the ukiyo (floating world) cultural movement that developed during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and which emphasized the pursuit of life’s fleeting pleasures by living in the moment. Images of youthful, beautiful women with elaborate hairstyles act as the primary reference for this series. At the same time, both her Ukiyo and Emergence series recall the Buddhist worldview of interdependence and the inseparably of all aspects of reality.

Human faces, bodies, and clothing mingle with and emerge within representations of traditional Japanese temples, ancient pines, and horned stags. The results are both dizzying and playful, contemplative and spontaneous. The depiction of interconnection is underscored by the fact that each work of art is made with a single sheet of paper.

“…my daughter is my muse…”

Experience the fantastical and studied worlds of Hiromi Moneyhun’s paper cuts at The Frank Museum of Art.

ABout the Artist

Hiromi Mizugai Moneyhun’s (水貝 宏美)

Hiromi Mizugai Moneyhun, a native of Kyoto, Japan, is a self-taught papercut artist based in Florida. With no formal art training, she has developed a style that seamlessly merges traditional Japanese art forms with the contemporary sensibilities found in Japan’s bustling metropolises. 

Hiromi’s art is renowned for its intricacy and unwavering commitment to exacting standards. Her creations, often taking weeks or even months to complete, stand as a testament to her extraordinary skill and mastery of the papercut medium. Her talent captured the spotlight when she exhibited at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s prestigious 2014-15 show, “State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now,” leading to a feature article in the Huffington Post alongside three other artists from across the nation. She also garnered attention in her homeland when she became the subject of a syndicated Japanese television show. 

Hiromi’s work has been showcased in both group and solo exhibitions in prominent art centers, including New York, Miami, London, and Orlando. Notably, she received the People’s Choice Award during the Florida Prize exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art in 2022. Her artistic contributions extend beyond galleries, as her work is collected by museums and cherished by numerous private collectors worldwide. Hiromi’s art continues to bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary innovation, forging a path that resonates with art enthusiasts around the globe. 

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