the above chair is made entirely from paper
Artist Vincent Tomczyk likes working with paper because, in his own words, "my art requires me to be part craftsman and part engineer." His clothing, chairs and other objects crafted from various types of paper and foamcore are hard to discern from the originals because the likenesses are uncannily realistic.
Below are selections from his Versisimilitudes and Virtu Collections:
above: Vincent Tomczyk, Americana, paper jeans, 2011, paper, canvas, silk and nylon thread, 15 x 9 x 11 in.
above: Vincent Tomczyk, Shirt and Tie, 2010, Mulberry and various other papers, 23 x 30 x 4 in.
above: Vincent Tomczyk, William S. Burroughs, Diptych, 2012, printed paper and woven paper, 23 x 14.5 x 1 in.
above: Vincent Tomczyk, Wallet, 2011, Paper, nylon thread, 4 x 3 x 0.5 in. (folded)
above: Vincent Tomczyk, Paper Eames Chair LCW, 2012, Various papers, hand painted, 22 x 23 x 28 in.
above: Vincent Tomczyk, Ubiquitous, 2012, foam core, 22 x 20 x 32 in., Private Collection
above: Vincent Tomczyk, Black Swim Cap, 2011, Painted coated paper, canvas, glass beads, 8 x 10 x 3.5 in.
above: Vincent Tomczyk, Bergère, 2012, Various papers, 26 x 26 x 36 in.
Artist's Statement:
My art centers on objects to stimulate visceral connections. These compositions represent biographies of people, experiences and interpretations of intangible ideas. Although my work can be categorized as realism, my intention is to distill the emotion of an object, then through expression, reconstruct it into my view of its essential self - free of function.
As an artist working primarily with paper, my art requires me to be part craftsman and part engineer. I learned a lot about how to construct things by working at my father’s side, in his workshop. I’m compelled to produce work that is visually poetic by using a medium that defies perceived limitations.
I am currently working on a series of paper chairs. I am interested in how personal chairs can become over time - almost taking on the characteristics of their owners. Chairs provide a sense of dignity - from hand carved stools in Africa, to thrones in Europe. Conversely, chairs are ubiquitously a part of our public and social lives, bringing humanity together in small groups or en masse. - Vincent
Upcoming exhibition:
Gallery 825 / Los Angeles Art Association
Solo Show: Vincent Tomczyk / OVERLOOKED... May 4 - 31, 2013
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 4, 2013, 6-9 PM
825 N La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles CA 90069
Vincent Tomczyk
