Paper art narratives unfold in Lin Hongpei's creative studio

Xunpu Women by Lin Hongpei. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

Lin Hongpei, a Xiamen native and paper artist, left his job as an elementary school art teacher and dedicated himself to paper art due to his fascination with its creative potential.

At Lin's studio, ordinary sheets of paper, through cutting, folding, rolling, shaping, and sticking techniques, transform into vivid and intriguing figures, each telling a unique story.

Renowned for his creative versatility, Lin seamlessly blends traditional paper folding techniques with modern skills, showcasing his innovative spirit by exploring various methods and materials without constraint.

This year marks Lin's fifth year as a dedicated paper artist. Over the course of these five years, Lin has crafted thousands of artworks, meticulously refining each piece over days or months with meticulous attention to detail and iterative adjustments.

At the recent 2024 Xiamen Cultural Heritage IP Innovation Competition, Lin received the third prize for his work "Minnan Distinctive Trencadís Dragon". Lin sees this recognition as a significant milestone in his artistic journey.

According to Lin, his works can be broadly categorized into three themes: Minman folk culture, showcasing elements like Trencadís, Hui'an and Xunpu women; China's 56 diverse ethnic groups; and scenes of everyday life that transform mundane objects into captivating art.

Recognizing the importance of staying attuned to contemporary trends in paper art, Lin integrates creative thinking with strategic promotional efforts, leveraging videos and social media to showcase his unique blend of art and operational acumen. Every day, Lin engages with his fans by sharing his latest creations on social media platforms.

In his commitment to promoting paper art, Lin has developed a series of instructional videos explaining his creative process, offering enthusiasts opportunities to learn or simply appreciate the art. Moreover, his collaboration with a primary school in Haicang district introduces children to the art and related traditional culture, furthering his mission to inspire and educate.

Looking ahead, Lin hopes to expand his creative horizons by developing products inspired by traditional culture, such as the upcoming "Dragon Boat Festival Quest for Dragons" series. Through these endeavors, he seeks to merge paper art with cultural and creative elements to share his boundless creativity with a broader audience.

A work by Lin Hongpei featuring people of various ethnic groups. [Photo/xmnn.cn]