JR CHUO | Abstract organic forms | Hand-Cut Paper art

JR CHUO | Abstract organic forms | Hand-Cut Paper art

JR CHUO is a contemporary paper cut and spray paint artist based in the UK who cuts all of his designs by hand, creating intricate paper artworks.
Alongside his paper cutting, CHUO is studying for his Asian and Middle Eastern Studies degree at the University of Cambridge. Although CHUO is only 19 years old, he has been paper cutting for over six years, during which time he has sought to continually perfect his art form. Despite the precise nature of his work, CHUO’s designs radiate organic warmth, containing a myriad of fascinating leading lines and shapes that capture the viewer’s attention.
Each individual paper-cut shape is unique, and hundreds, sometimes thousands, of these shapes work together in harmony to form large seamless designs.

One of the central ideas behind CHUO’s work is the notion of façades in society that conceal brutal realities. CHUO takes inspiration from the organized nature of urban subway maps and the simplification of metropolitan areas, which dissimulate the complexity of the areas they represent. He believes this concept is present in the way our societies and governments oversimplify narratives that deal with the environment and inequality. Many of his artworks are named after Japanese subway stations and lines.
CHUO also explores the impacts of climate change on coral reefs, juxtaposing this message with the vibrant colors that he uses in his work. His artistic process is labor-intensive, requiring a deep focus on the present moment. Cutting all of his designs by hand, one small paper cut piece usually takes several weeks to complete. CHUO uses his completed paper cut pieces to create a wide range of work, from spray paintings to digital versions of his designs cut by hand to create further intricate three-dimensional artworks. Thus, each individual paper cut piece generates a wide array of possibilities for CHUO to experiment with.

The patterns found in CHUO’s pieces are primarily inspired by organic forms found in coral reefs. His bright color palette takes inspiration from the striking colors emitted by certain corals before they are bleached by warming ocean temperatures due to climate change. CHUO aims to capture the ‘tragic beauty of dying corals in his work by creating striking designs, often using fluorescent colors to draw attention to the intricacy of the artworks. However, he hopes that viewers feel optimistic when looking at his vibrant work and that his pieces encourage an appreciation for the beauty of corals and the versatility of paper.

JR CHUO’s work will soon be exhibited in Milan during Milan Fashion Week and Milan Design Week Fuorisalone. In addition, his newest piece, ‘Roppongi Reef,’ can be seen alongside his large paper cut artwork, ‘Fluoro Pink Shibuya,’ at the Tokyo International Art Fair in October.
CHUO is currently working on a new collection of paper cut pieces that will build on his original ‘Paper Cuts In Perspex’ collection and will consist of hand-cut paper lattice works painted in fluorescent colors and suspended in clear acrylic.

‘Roppongi Reef’ builds on CHUO’s ‘Mini CHUO Reef Collection’ of pieces aiming to capture the tragic beauty of dying corals, using fluorescent background color and tiny details that have been cut into each piece of paper.

www.jrchuo.com | jrchuo15@gmail.com | Instagram: @jrchuo |

Read the full article in the Gold List Special Edition #6