From Fold to Form: Paper Sculptures by Shlian

For more than a decade, Michigan-based “paper engineer” Matt Shlian has been redefining the boundaries of paper as a medium with his inventive creations.

Matt’s journey into the world of paper craft began during his undergraduate studies, where his fascination with interactive art and the tactile immediacy of paper spurred him to explore the endless possibilities this humble material could offer. This exploration led to a profound passion for creating geometric paper sculptures. In his own words:

“Figuring out the pieces was like solving a puzzle. I understand things spatially; I have to see something to make sense of it.”

It all starts with a simple initial fold, an action that sets the stage for a complex process of transformation. Matt then combines his meticulous hand-folding techniques with digital mapping to produce mesmerizing sculptures that marry precision with creativity.

For those interested in finding out more about Matt’s extraordinary work, his website offers an ever-updating selection of striking pieces to discover.

More paper artworks Matt’s website