Iconic Paper Characters

Jason Ku Recreates Dark Riders from Lord of the Rings

Artist Jason Ku found in the traditional Japanese art practice of folding paper a good way to express his love for Tolkien’s movie Lord of the Rings. Ku was introduced to origami since the age of five, and these fantasy figures show his immense talent.

This eco-friendly version of a dark rider is strikingly well-done and detailed. The ebony hands of the rider have the skinny and creepy aspect that they also have in the movie, which makes this 'Nazgûl,' as they’re also called, real and scary. 

This art piece by Jason Ku shows how origami can create all sort of figures and pop culture icons. Ku is the president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s origami club OrigaMIT, and he is the managing editor for OrigamiUSA’s online magazine, The Fold.

Origami Art
Jason Ku showcases the potential of origami in creating detailed figures and pop culture icons.
Eco-friendly Art
Ku's use of paper as a medium highlights the potential of eco-friendly art.
Cultural Art Mashup
The combination of traditional Japanese art with pop culture icons shows the potential of creating cultural art mashups.

Sectors Adopting This

Art and Design
Jason Ku's work showcases the potential for disruptive innovation in the traditional art and design industry through the integration of new mediums and techniques.
Education
Ku's involvement in OrigaMIT and The Fold highlights the potential for innovation in the education industry in art and culture-focused organizations.
Sustainability
Ku's use of eco-friendly materials demonstrates the potential for disruptive innovation in sustainability-focused industries through the utilization of unique materials and techniques.
SCORE
1.8 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe, Asia
GENERATION
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z (primary audience)
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 25%
Activity 21%
Freshness 8%

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