I remember trying to do paper cutting craft work when I was little, but I have never in all my life see anyone who has taken that childish craft to such a pitch of artistic perfection as Japanese artist, Mr. Riu. Here are 16 of his most splendid creations, adding a whole new level to gorgeous paper art.
1. The Maple Peacock
The effort Mr. Riu has put into these artworks is simply astonishing. Just look at these dizzying patterns he has formed. Is it through clear, calculated design, or wonderful inspiration?
2. Totoro
This famous Miyazaki creature, Totoro, is actually a blend of several popular animals in Japan (the tanuki, cat, and owl). Mr. Riu has used this well-loved character as the starting point for a simply delightful paper creation.
3. NeuroMyelitis Optica Fish
The images he creates have a really hypnotizing effect on me, I can hardly take my eyes away from these familiar yet strange combinations.
4. Zenflower 07
5. Promise
These works, as with all great artists' creations, barely look like they were created from such basic materials. The audacity and the patience to manufacture such intricate and delicate beauty from simple paper dumbfounds me.
6. Negative Twelve Leaves
7. Love me
In many art galleries we are warned not to touch the pieces, but these particular masterpieces seem to be asking to be touched, just as they touch me.
8. Mandala With 21 Circles
Mandalas, like these, represent cosmic eternity, and have a symbolic resonance in many great Oriental systems of thought and spirituality. This mandala is composed of 21 complex but meditating circles.
9. The Scent Of Death Around The Earth
10. Sea Breeze Woman
Mr. Riu denies that his superb skills are the fruit of an inborn patience. He believes he has learned patience from practice in doing the art work he wants to do.
11. Negative Twelve Leaves (Double Layered)
12. Snoopy
Like many modern artists, Mr. Riu uses humor in his pieces, because humor touches us in such a primal, yet honest way.
13. Skeleton With Poor Eyesight
14. Six Patterns
Mr. Riu's driving desire is to inspire his son, and everyone lucky enough to see his artwork, to effect peace on earth.
15. Jeweled Cherry Blossom
16. A Clockwork Sunflower
He says we can find this peace through a kind of rhythmic living, which Mr. Riu himself gains from his work. If rhythm truly enables man to create such beauty, perhaps he has a very useful message for us all.
