How would you define your role in the arts? I’m an origami artist, a sculptor, and a painter. I use paper as the basis of my work, and then often transform it using other materials. Recently I’m doing more painting than sculpting.

Sipho Mabona
Sipho Mabona
Image: Hayden Phipps & Southern Guild

How does paper give expression to your work? I love the concept of origami, which differs to other art in that it’s a transformative art. It tells more about the process it has taken, and it doesn’t add or subtract the way other artistic processes do. In that sense it develops a unique narrative. I also love that paper is not as durable as other materials, so it has a sense of impermanence and “wabi sabi” to it. If I make a mistake, there’ll be a trace of it in the work and I like to embrace that imperfection.

How is your work a departure from traditional origami? It uses the basic principles of the process; however, I’m pushing the boundaries. I’ve been deconstructing it by departing from the tradition in the beginning stages of the process. I prepare the creases for a work, but I don’t actually fold it, leaving it at the stage where the fold was about to happen.

What are you busy with at the moment? I’m busy with commercial pieces and gearing up for the Expo Chicago in late September, for which I’m making several pieces, both flat and 3D.

Sipho Mabona's sugar stained glass window panes exhibited at Guild Design Fair
Sipho Mabona's sugar stained glass window panes exhibited at Guild Design Fair
Image: Hayden Phipps & guilddesignfair.com

This article was originally published by the Edit.


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