Temple of the Paper Rabbit

An installation by Geodesic Temple in sync with Disorient's 2023 theme: the year of the Paper Rabbit

Statement

Amidst the intricate folds of a paper rabbit lies a thought-provoking paradox: an object of fragility yet imbued with a quiet resilience. The Temple of the Paper Rabbit (TOPAR) invites us to contemplate the essence of existence and the inherent duality of our human experience. Through the delicate craftsmanship and imaginative playfulness of the paper rabbit, we are reminded of the power of art to reveal the hidden depths of our souls, and to illuminate the beauty and mystery of the world around us.

The Rabbit

The choice of the paper rabbit reflects the cultural significance of this symbol, the community-building potential of collaborative art, and the deeper themes of transformation and resilience associated with it. The Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac adds to its cultural significance. The use of a collaborative approach to create the sculpture reinforces the sense of community and interconnectedness among the people involved. The artwork becomes a metaphor for the human experience, reflecting our fragility and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

The Paper

The Fold

The fold is the third element of the paper rabbit. Without folds, the paper cannot become a rabbit.

The concept of fold can be understood in various ways, depending on the context in which it is being used. At its most basic level, a fold refers to a bend or crease in a material, such as paper or fabric, that creates a change in direction or shape. In the context of TOPAR, the concept of fold takes on a deeper significance.

The act of folding paper is a form of transformation, where a two-dimensional surface is transformed into a three-dimensional form. This transformation is a powerful metaphor for the transformative nature of art itself. Art has the power to take us out of our everyday reality and transport us to new worlds and new perspectives. In this way, art is like a fold that changes the shape of our understanding of the world around us.

The idea of a fold can also be seen as a symbol of duality or paradox. When we fold a piece of paper, we create two distinct planes that are connected to each other. In the same way, our human experience is often characterized by a duality or tension between opposing forces, such as light and darkness, pink and orange, or life and death. This tension is what gives meaning and depth to our lives and to the art that reflects our experiences.

Finally, the concept of fold can also be seen as a metaphor for the fragility of life. Like a paper rabbit that can easily be torn or damaged, our lives are inherently fragile and vulnerable. Yet, like the paper rabbit, we also possess a resilience and strength that allows us to endure and overcome the challenges that we face.

Overall, the concept of fold in the context of TOPAR is a rich and multi-layered concept that speaks to the transformative power of art, the duality of our human experience, and the fragility and resilience of life itself as we go down both real and metaphorical rabbit holes.