Research
Cut paper is a global art form rich in history and tradition. I conduct cut paper travel research regularly to deepen my knowledge, see first hand the origins of world cut paper, and meet contemporary artists and professionals in the field.
Ashmolean Museum of Art & Archaeology
University of Oxford,
Oxford, UK
2019
In June 2019, I was invited to conduct research and lecture at the Ashmolean Museum of Art & Archaeology, the world’s first university museum on the campus of the historic University of Oxford. At the Ashmolean, I was hosted by the Chinese Art program coordinator, Felicitas von Droste zu Hülshoff and curator, Dr. Paul Bevan. With their guidance, I studied in person the Museum’s traditional Chinese paper cutting collections from the modern era, including disparate works from the Cultural Revolution to the Great Leap Forward movement. Following the lecture, I also held viewing sessions of my works represented in the Museum’s permanent collection. In addition, I toured the Museum’s current exhibits and contemporary art venues/galleries in Oxford.
The British Museum
London, UK
2019
In June 2019, I had the rare opportunity to study first hand several paper cutout flowers and related materials from Dunhuang’s Cave 17 dated back to Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) in the collection at the British Museum. Hosted by the Department of Asia and curator Dr. Yu-Ping Luk, I have gained much invaluable background knowledge and latest information on the cave, subsequently learning about additional existence of similar cutout flowers. In London, I toured many exhibits at several major museums including Tate Modern and the Royal Academy of Art, and researched the City’s diverse and exciting contemporary art scene.
The Central Academy of Fine Arts
Beijing, China
2010
In October 2010, I went to Beijing again since my first visit in 1988 to see for myself how the rapid urbanization in China changes the landscape of the country’s capital and its impact on paper cutting as an ancient folk art rooted from fast dissipating villages and farms. I met with Lu Shengzhong, Chinese contemporary paper cutting master and chair of the Department of Experimental Art at CAFA. I held a lecture and dialogued with students, artists, and teachers to discuss how culture, education, and art responded to China’s massive and rapid development.
Swiss Association of Friends of Paper Cutting
Switzerland
2008
In March 2008, I traveled to Switzerland to meet key members of the Swiss Association of Friends of Paper Cutting who assisted my research. I visited numerous galleries and museums in Bern, Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, Lucerne, Zug, and GStaad. In Rougemont, Pays-d’ Enhaut, I saw first hand the birthplace of Swiss paper cutting and original works by masters including Louis David Saugy (1871-1953) and Johaan Jakob Hauswirth (1809-1871).
Foshan Folk Art Research Institute
Foshan, China
2006
In May 2006, I visited the Foshan Folk Art Research Institute in Foshan, China, developed and supported by the government. Foshan is a historic hub of paper cutting in Southern China in Guangdong province. At the Institute, I interviewed resident artists and researchers, toured art studios, and observed apprentices making paper cutouts. My primary objective was to understand China’s policies and efforts in preserving traditional folk art in the 21st century, while the country has been devoting to dramatic growth and changes from the heart of major cities to remote countryside.