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Hundreds of Paper Birds Roost in an Origami Chimney


Inspired by the Vaux's swift, a species of birds that flock together in groups of 30 or more, and that build their nests in dark cavities, paper artist Bijian Fan has created this mesmerizing installation called Roosting . This particular work was inspired by the swifts in downtown Los Angeles. Due to the loss of much of their natural roosting habitat, hollow trunks and branches of old or dead trees, swifts must use places like brick chimneys to rest and sleep.

In this installation, the chimney, made of origami cubes, is an application of a curriculum Fan has created called Origami Mathematics Genius (or OMG). Taking the art or paper folding, he uses mathematics, from simple concepts such as geometry and fraction to more complicated concepts like spatial visualization and computer aided design, to create contemporary artwork.

It took Fan a month to fold the cubes of the chimney and cut all the birds. This gorgeous installation can be found at the Ojai Art Center until May 8 as part of the exhibition Paper & Beyond.

Bijian Fan's website

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