When it comes to the creative reuse of material, few artists push the limits of possibility quite like Japanese sculptor Monami Ohno, who transforms humble cardboard boxes into intricately detailed sculptures that blur the line between waste and wonder. With nothing more than a box cutter, glue, and a wildly imaginative mind, Ohno has carved out a unique space for herself in the world of sustainable art and design.
Originally trained in 3D animation at Osaka University of the Arts, Ohno stumbled upon cardboard as a medium almost by accident. For a school assignment, she needed to make something physical — and having an empty box lying around, she reached for it without a second thought. That first sculpture sparked something: a fascination with the material’s flexibility, structure, and potential. Years later, her studio is now filled with brown-toned creations that resemble everything from beloved anime characters and life-size food items to mechanical tanks and fantastical creatures. “Cardboard may seem like just trash, but if you look at it closely, it has a lot of possibilities,” Ohno has said in interviews. “I enjoy showing people how something so ordinary can become something beautiful.”
Cardboard may seem like just trash, but if you look at it closely, it has a lot of possibilities. I enjoy showing people how something so ordinary can become something beautiful.
And beautiful they are. Her pieces often take dozens of hours to complete, each fold and layer carefully considered. What’s most impressive is her ability to retain the original aesthetic of the cardboard — complete with visible flaps, ridges, and brand-printed markings — while manipulating it into precise, delicate forms. In doing so, she embraces the raw material rather than hiding it, giving her sculptures a recognizable and authentic charm.
From oversized burgers stacked high with lettuce and melting cheese, to science-fiction robots with articulated joints and expressive faces, Ohno’s work resonates with a mix of whimsy, nostalgia, and awe. Fans of pop culture, especially anime and gaming, will notice familiar figures rendered with almost architectural precision — each piece a love letter to both her craft and her inspirations.
In an era where sustainability and creativity are more intertwined than ever, Ohno’s cardboard art stands out not only for its skill but also for its message. She challenges the way we perceive everyday materials and encourages us to look again at what we throw away. In the right hands, even yesterday’s delivery box can become tomorrow’s masterpiece.
To explore more of Monami Ohno’s creations, follow her on Instagram, and if you are lucky enough, visit one of the galleries across Japan, where she continues to amaze with each new piece. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone looking for inspiration in the everyday — Ohno’s work is a compelling reminder of the magic in the mundane.
Images © Monami Ohno