Crafting a New Identity: The Rise of Contemporary Papier-Mâché Artists
In a world where mass-produced goods dominate the market, a group of self-taught artists are turning to an age-old medium to create unique and thought-provoking pieces. Papier-mâché, a technique that dates back centuries, is experiencing a renaissance in the hands of modern craftsmen like Joel Hernandez and Bernie Kaminski.
Hernandez, a 39-year-old artist based in San Francisco, first discovered his love for papier-mâché as a child, when his family moved from Mexico to rural Indiana. Unable to find traditional piñatas for their celebrations, they decided to make their own, sparking a lifelong passion for the craft. Today, Hernandez creates vibrant and animated face coverings that reflect his identity as a gay man, filling a void he saw in the traditional tribal masks he collected.
Meanwhile, in New York City, Bernie Kaminski, a 57-year-old artist and television producer, uses papier-mâché to recreate everyday objects from a bygone era. His pieces, like a replica of his junk drawer filled with taxi receipts and film rolls, evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time before smartphones and digital convenience took over.
These artists, along with many others, are redefining the possibilities of papier-mâché, using it to create everything from functional décor to whimsical reproductions of household items. With just a few pantry items, some recycled newspaper, and a dash of creativity, they are proving that this ancient technique still has the power to captivate and inspire in the modern world.
As papier-mâché continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary sensibilities, these artists are at the forefront of a movement that celebrates the medium’s democratic and economic nature. From gallery exhibitions to online sales, their work is gaining recognition and appreciation, proving that sometimes the simplest materials can lead to the most extraordinary creations.
