# Flexible Paper Sculptures Tools of Study by Li Hongbo Will Surprise You By Max Thomson | Published 2014-02-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-paper-sculptures References: [kleinsungallery](http://www.kleinsungallery.com/exhibition/60/press_release/) & [youtube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR_1nD2rSWc) These flexible [paper sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-for-papirkunst) were created by Beijing-based artist Li Hongbo as part of a exhibition entitled Tools of Study. The busts are made out of layers of stacked paper and allow the participants to manipulate the sculpture. The thousand pieces of paper are attached to each other, so that they flex and transform when manipulated. They are inspired by both modern and traditional folk art and really ask the viewer to physically interact with the art. Hongbo asks his participants to experience both paper and sculpture in the a different way, like toddlers playing with a slinky for the first time. Within the series, the artist hopes to juxtapose the classic nature of the marble sculptures with the playfulness of [childhood toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keff-joons), allowing his audience to relive their past. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Flexible Paper Sculptures:** Opportunity for artists to explore new ways of engaging viewers through interactive and transformable artwork. - **Manipulable Art:** Potential for artists to create sculptures that invite viewer participation and allow for personalized experiences. - **Combining Tradition and Playfulness:** Chance for artists to merge elements of classic art with unconventional materials and interactive elements, appealing to both traditional and modern art enthusiasts. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art and Sculpture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for artists to challenge traditional mediums and engage viewers in new and unexpected ways. - **Experiential Art Exhibitions:** Potential for the art industry to create immersive and interactive exhibitions that encourage audience participation and exploration. - **Art Education and Children's Museums:** Opportunity for educational institutions and museums to introduce children and adults to playful and interactive art experiences, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary art forms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Paper-Made Mosaic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-life-architecture-exhibition.md) - [Geometric Sculpture Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illusion-box.md) - [Sculptural Mixed-Media Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-echoes.md) - [Paper Curvature Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-curves.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [3D-Printed Flip Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stl-sculptures.md) - [Dynamic Sculptural Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-transformation-table.md) - [Origami-Inspired Porcelain Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saori-matsushita.md) - [Performance Art Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bio-pop.md)