The Paper Biennale
by Niamh McCooey
Since 1996, Museum Rijswijk has hosted prestigious exhibitions on international paper art. The biennials are never themed, however the 18 international artists participating in this year's edition have something in common besides the use of paper: they take inspiration from nature.
This can be in physical terms, making paper from pure plant fibres – cooked, flattened, dried and, sometimes, mixed with other natural ingredients. Paper pulp might be kneaded or poured into unique shapes, and once dry, cut, folded and twisted.
Nature is also a source of inspiration in conceptual terms: odes to what nature generates, spores of change and capturing something transient. Those who love pure abstraction will also find something in this biennial. But don’t be surprised if you encounter a link to the natural environment here, too…
Paper Biennale, 12 June - 7 October 2018
Museum Rijswijk, Herenstraat 67, 2282 BR Rijswijk, The Netherlands