CHAPTER 5
THE LIGHT BEHIND THE FOLDS
I am convinced that the combination of paper and light is a perfect one. The paper lets light through while folds generate shaded areas that make it possible to control the luminous flux.
In Japan, shōji—sliding partitions constructed from a grid of thin wooden strips to which sheets of translucent paper are applied—are used to separate the rooms of a home or its interior from the outside. The paper allows external light to filter through while dimming and softening it, which is why we call it akari shōji, or “luminous shōji.” Traditional lanterns (chōchin) are likewise made out of bamboo and paper, assembled in such a way that they can be folded and closed when not in use. In this chapter you will find lampshades that, like traditional lamps, recall an accordion as well as objects that cannot be folded, but because they are origami, that is, folded paper, can evoke the play of light and shadow. The illumination is provided by LED lights. (TF)
TWIST PILLAR
A: Diameter x Height 3.9 x 7.5 inches (100 x 190 mm)
B: Diameter x Height 4.1 x 9.8 inches (105 x 250 mm)
C: Diameter x Height 3.9 x 11.4 inches (100 x 290 mm)
BALLOON
Height x Diameter 11.4 x 5.5 inches (290 x 140 mm)
DOME STAR BUBBLE
Height x Diameter 6.7 x 4.5 inches (170 x 115 mm)
Tomoko Fuse is a master of various styles of origami and is widely esteemed for her geometric forms, which she makes from individual sheets of paper or by assembling multiple identical modules. Although obviously it is possible to hide oversights and folding mistakes in an origami model, a perfectionist such as Tomoko regards this as unacceptable. The artist is as careful with the construction of the structure as she is with the visible elements. Were she not, the relationship between the tension and force of the various parts would be compromised. The shapes—so precise and crystalline—are wonderful. Although their purity and superficial elegance can be admired, their highly rigorous internal structure remains hidden, and generally does not receive the appreciation it deserves. But all it takes is a light source inside the piece to reveal everything!
Both modular models and those made from a single sheet can serve as functional ceiling or floor lamps. At the same time, many of the tessellations and undulating structures or infinite folds illustrated in the previous chapters can be turned into lamps as well. Tomoko has created elaborate installations with backlit tessellations for restaurants, hotels, and private residences. High-quality Japanese craft paper has a marvelous fibrous texture that is further enhanced by a back light. By the same token, such lamps acquire a completely different look when illuminated from the inside. We suddenly realize that a whole gamut of light gray shadows determined by two or three superimposed layers appears as if by magic at the flip of a switch. (DB)
CRYSTAL
Width x Length x Height 8.7 x 8.3 x 8.7 inches (220 x 210 x 220 mm)
ZIGZAG BRAIDED BALL
Diameter 5.1 inches (130 mm)
ZIGZAG BRAIDED BALL
Diameter 11.6 inches (295 mm)
ZIGZAG BRAIDED BALL
Diameter 8.3 inches (210 mm)
PYRAMID
Width x Length x Height 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.7 inches (140 x 140 x 145 mm)
BUCKLING PILLAR
Width x Length x Height
A: 4.5 x 4.5 x 7.9 inches (115 x 115 x 200 mm)
B: 4.5 x 4.5 x 8.7 inches (115 x 115 x 220 mm)
C: 4.5 x 4.5 x 8.9 inches (115 x 115 x 225 mm)
PAGODA
Width x Length x Height
A: 9.8 x 9.8 x 19.2 inches (250 x 250 x 487 mm)
B: 6.7 x 6.7 x 14.8 inches (170 x 170 x 377 mm)
FOLDABLE LANTERN
Height x Diameter
A: 11.8 x 5.1 inches (300 x 130 mm)
B: 14.4 x 5.1 inches (365 x 130 mm)
C: 11.8 x 4.5 inches (300 x 115 mm)
D: Width x Length x Height 5.3 x 5.3 x 11.8 inches (135 x 135 x 300 mm)
TORNADO
Height x Diameter 9.4 x 18.9 inches (240 x 480 mm)
