In the world of contemporary art, where technology and multimedia often dominate, Taiwanese-American artist Huntz Liu stands out by choosing the humble yet endlessly expressive medium: paper. With a straight edge and knife, Liu meticulously transforms layers of colored paper into intricate geometric and abstract compositions that captivate viewers through their depth and elegance.
The artist’s creative process always begins with simple tools —a knife and a ruler — but the results are anything but simple
Each piece Liu cuts is a testament to his precision and patience, as he carefully slices through layers of paper to reveal the hidden beauty within. The resulting shapes and forms exist on multiple planes, creating both literal and perceived depth. This interplay of layers and shadows is central to Liu’s work, as he explains: “These compositions are comprised of shapes that sit on different planes, creating literal depth, while the composition itself creates a perceived depth. It is this intersection of the literal and perceived that informs the work; where the absence of material reveals form and the casting of shadow creates the line.”
Underlying every piece is the method and medium of hand-cut paper. There is a calm in this process, with its forced tedium and slow/heavy time consumption, that allows me to live in and about the work.
The process is as meditative as it is meticulous. Liu immerses himself in the slow, deliberate act of cutting paper, finding peace in the repetition and the “forced tedium” of his craft. This intimate engagement with his medium allows him to inhabit each piece fully. “Underlying every piece is the method and medium of hand-cut paper. There is a calm in this process, with its forced tedium and slow/heavy time consumption, that allows me to live in and about the work. Every shape and color, every corner and edge, I was there for. There is no escaping it and, ultimately, there are no shortcuts.”
The artist’s latest exhibition “Homecoming” presented a new body of work that “explores the origins and geneses of things both within and without. It revisited watershed moments that appeared inconsequential but led to what is significantly irrevocable”, Liu writes. Been born in Taiwan, the show marks Liu’s first time exhibiting on the island. Some of the works below were on show at this exhibition. To enjoy more of the creative’s work, follow him on Instagram.
Images © Huntz Liu