Manabu Kosaka's Handmade Paper Sculptures

I genuinely don’t understand how this is possible.

If I didn’t know what these were, I’d say they were just black and white photos of a Big Mac and shoe.

https://coca11272000.wixsite.com/manabukosaka/works-2023-202...

As I started to browse the gallery, my thinking was that he uses some kind of paper compression technique. But, no, apparently everything is cut out and iteratively stacked and fused almost like 3D printing by hand. The results are something to marvel at.

Related: https://www.instagram.com/manabu_kosaka

His twitter has a daily production video log showing the process. Mesmerizing.

https://x.com/coca1127

And some longer form videos on YouTube as well like this one "Making PS2" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUCpJwhSivc

This guy gets serious bonus points for all the typography incorporated into the objects. Even if he didn’t include it the amount of detail is amazing.

Instantly reminded me of this ridiculousness: https://www.odditycentral.com/news/designer-spends-9-years-b... his yt: https://www.youtube.com/user/lucaiaconistewart

Like something straight out of the old internet. Beautiful work.

Something like this can only come from Japan. It's more than just craftsmanship; it's deeply rooted in the culture. Impressive!

These are exquisite. I wonder what drew this artist to this medium? What made him sit down and commit himself to such constraints? It certainly doesn't look like the kind of thing one does casually. Did it come to him in a dream? Did it evolve slowly as a pastime since boyhood? Did he think it would help him stand out from other sculptors?

It kind of makes me wonder why we don't see 3D-printers which use paper pulp as the building material .. when I was younger we learned to make our own recycled paper by building the pulp from scraps, and it was an intriguing and inspirational process.

Imagine a 3D printer that you place underneath the shredder tray, add a bit of water too now and then, and come back later to find a nicely printed recyclable widget and/or grommet for much fun.

I do not have the stillness required for intricate work.

I remember spilling acid all over myself in the chem labs in college.

Luckily for us brutes we have math and programming

This artist was featured in an article in this LA-based magazine:

https://mymodernmet.com/manabu-kosaka-paper-sculptures/

Unfortunately, the interviewer doesn't explain exactly how the sculptures are made: what kind of glue, what kinds of mounting gear, etc.

These objects could literally earn millions as pieces of art. All they would need is a gifted agent to chat up the galleries.

Amazing! I wonder what type of adhesive is he using, and how does he apply it?

There is something genuinely stirring about what humanity builds when looking up to technology, be it a symbolic creation or a feat of engineering. I am deeply fond of these paper gears.

Looks amazing, like it would work!

this clip gives a sense of the paper's qualities - https://www.instagram.com/p/DcRNddTNNnQ/

How on earth does one cut the letters out so small? Any links would be most appreciated!

EDIT: Seems like they post on X. heres a video with some letters being cut out. Its pretty much as you would expect, but with some serious competence! https://x.com/coca1127/status/2088029745221128308

pretty incredible, but to keep saying it's "just paper" and "only paper" is a bit disingenuous. yes, it's paper but there's an unmentioned extra thing going on that makes it look like a particular _type_ of paper. I see @Exoristos' suggestion of stacking; makes sense if true. Really nice, buttery/creamy effect from gluing who-knows-how-many layers. Still ... pretty incredible work