I am in love with this work by Randi Parkhurst! - Victoria
Tansu Gothic is a compelling work that challenges the notions and boundaries of book arts. From the first encounter, a sense of mystery is conveyed by the almost fortress-like architecture that is its exterior. A dizzying array of drawers, doors and hidden compartments only hint at what is within. The rich tone and textures of hand-painted papers and intricate handmade structures invite the viewer to explore the contents of this intriguing piece.

It took eight months for Randi Parkhurst to birth this complex creation: everything is handcrafted. Inspired by the Japanese cabinetry, Tansu, and its history, the structure has over 300 hardware pieces handcrafted of paper. Two accordion books, one featuring drawings of Japanese cabinetry tools, the other details of Tansu structural elements, two intricately hand bound books which tell the tragic story of the Meireki fire of 1657, using stunning cut paper images to convey their tale, a unique 3-panel folding map of Edo (ancient Tokyo), a tiny abacus made of paper and beads, three pairs of peddler’s boxes with their bamboo carriers, intricate folding paper globes, myriad drawers, piano hinged doors, secret compartments accessible by removable spires…these are some of the astonishing elements within. The almost obsessive detail in the two miniature Tansu structures hidden inside one-another like Russian dolls, complete with functional drawers and doors of almost microscopic size, reveal an attention to detail beyond what seems humanly possible.

This unique work of art reveals an intimate connection between content and structure, inspiration and magic. Randi Parkhurst's website is www.parkhurstpaperarts.com

The music is from Xalat Bu Rafét by Reshà - Uruguayan Leonardo Trincabelli (percussion and hang), Argentinians Maria Di Pace (hang and harp) and Ivo Saint (violin), used with kind permission of David Bianchi, music producer at Barcelona’s excellent Whatabout Music. www.whatabout-music.com

Views: 104

Comment

You need to be a member of crafthaus to add comments!

Join crafthaus

Comment by Brigitte Martin on October 7, 2015 at 1:36pm

Pretty awesome, thanks for sharing!

Latest Activity

Aleksandra Vali posted a status
"2023 Fortezza da Basso, Florence, Italy"
Sep 19, 2023
Aleksandra Vali and Letitia Pintilie are now friends
Sep 19, 2023
Catherine Marche liked Rebecca Skeels's discussion streamlining our pages
Feb 3, 2021
Jonathan Leo Brown posted a status
"An art deco inspired ocean liner container with multiple containers."
Nov 9, 2020

Videos

  • Add Videos
  • View All

© 2024   Created by Brigitte Martin.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service