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The Thinking Man’s Book Sculptures

Malaysia-born, Tennessee-based artist Daniel Lai, aka Kenjio, uses a visually captivating paper folding technique for his inspired book sculptures. Each book blossoms outward in waves of paper folded unto themselves, accompanied by a clay figurine of a man deep in thought. The sculptor's series of Thinker sculptures, echoing Rodin's The Thinker, exhibit an astute attention to detail and skill in multi-mediums, including paper and clay.

The beautiful imagery created by Kenjio's folding method mimics that of a fully-bloomed flower or perhaps a cog in a timepiece. The literary sculptures reinterpret the appeal of knowledge and reflect the limitations of time to absorb said knowledge. Kenjio has constructed a realm of his own where the thinking man reigns atop his literary throne.

To purchase some of these charming wall pieces, check out the artist's Etsy shop. Also, check out a video interview with the artist, conducted by his local news reporters at Knoxnews, for some insight into his process.










Kenjio's Etsy shop
via [ghost in the machine, Kyaari]

Pinar

Pinar Noorata is the Managing Editor at My Modern Met. She is a writer, editor, and content creator based in Brooklyn, NY. She earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from CUNY Hunter College and is an alumni of the Center for Arts Education’s Career Development Program in NYC. She has worked at major TV, film, and publishing companies as well as other independent media businesses. When she isn’t writing, editing, or creating videos herself, Pinar enjoys watching movies, reading, crafting, drawing, and volunteering at her local animal shelter.
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