Maïe Alexandre, skilled Kirigami artist : Nature comes to life amazingly from a piece of paper to reflect on the importance of Biodiversity.
BIOGRAPHY
Maïe Alexandre is a self-taught artist who explores the delicacy and beauty of Nature through the unique art of paper cutting, also known as “Kirigami”. Maïe was fascinated by this technique after meeting an expert in paper cutting and collage. Then, she gradually developed her own skill, using a paper chisel instead of a computer mouse.
In 2022, she launched the series entitled "Delicate Nature" as a touching reflection on the constant erosion of life on Planet Earth.
Being aware of the urgent need to preserve Biodiversity, she consciously chooses to depict endangered species in her works. Each paper cutting is a visual statement about the fragility of our ecosystem as well as a vibrant call to take action towards protecting our planet.
The artist takes many hours on each work, from the initial observation to the last outcome. Her creative chiselling is like a delicate dance between precision and sensitivity. Each stroke of blade is calculated carefully. Every pattern is designed with meticulous attention.
Her technique is not limited to cutting paper, she creates lace sculptures and other works of remarkable complexity, well appreciated for their beauty. Each piece of work is an invitation to contemplation, a reminder of the fragile beauty that surrounds us. Her work is a celebration of life, an ode to Nature in all its diversity and wonder.
MONACŒCOART® had the pleasure to collect Maïe Alexandre’s fresh feedback while attending the 5th edition of Art3F Monaco, International Contemporary Art Exhibition, held at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille from the 23rd until the 25th August 2024.
🎙INTERVIEW
MONACŒCOART®: Your artistic creativity gives an almost three-dimensional shape to emblematic animal species from a simple white sheet of paper, where does the inspiration for this artistic technique come from? When and how did your passion for Art and Nature begin? Which animal is closest to you and why?
🗣️Maïe Alexandre : I approached this technique, named « Kirigami », eight years ago, after having tested different paper crafts. I liked the idea of taking the drawing out of the sheet, being able to hold it in my hands. It feels like the sketch comes to life, once it is cut out. It allows me to play with light and shadow. Moreover, my first paper laces were a real challenge for me. ‘Will I succeed in cutting paper without tearing it?’ - I kept asking myself. Sometimes I still do since the more I go forward, the more detailed and complex they are.
I do not have a preferred animal, I started with the felines because I find them majestic, elegant and noble; but I could have started with another creature.
MONACŒCOART®: What do you want to convey through your Kirigami Artwork? Can Art encourage more respectful behaviour towards natural ecosystems, based on your direct experience? Can you give us a testimony?
🗣️Maïe Alexandre : Since 2022, I have been doing art collections devoted to species in danger of extinction. I want to make the link between the fragility of my lace and the fragility of our Planet. I do believe that we must take care of Nature and protect vulnerable species, otherwise they are likely to disappear.
Through the finesse of my piece of work I want to show the elegance of Nature. Our Planet is full of details. I hope visitors are encouraged to contemplate the natural vulnerability through my artistic cuts.
Art can definitely inspire a more respectful attitude towards the natural world around us. Undoubtedly, art can raise awareness, shock us, make us be aware and think. Sometimes, my creative works allows me to debate with some visitors who are moved by finding out that the species they observe is currently endangered.
MONACŒCOART®: According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at least 1,677 out of a total of 15,060 European species are considered as threatened (data from 2020 report), what is your feeling as an eco-committed artist? What contribution can each of us give to combat biodiversity loss through the artistic expression?
🗣️Maïe Alexandre : I think human beings sometimes forget that we live in symbiosis with Biodiversity around us. We are constantly hectic without taking the time to stop and observe, up to forgetting what is extremely important. When I realise the number of endangered species, both fauna and flora, I am very sad because the trend is set to worsen.
Over the years, artists have helped us understand our history. The decline of natural environments and biodiversity, as well as global warming are new topics that we must tackle. As Paul Watson* pointed out: “We must do everything in our power to protect life, biodiversity and the interdependence of the oceans. If we do not act like this, we will not survive. The safety of our Planet really matters.”
*Note: Canadian activist and environmentalist with US citizenship, founder and president of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society aimed at protecting and preserving marine resources and fauna.
MONACŒCOART®: You are attending the 2024 edition of Art3F, which is being taking place in Monaco these days, what does it mean for you to get in direct contact with the international public, by unveiling your art and its message for the safeguarding of Nature?
🗣️Maïe Alexandre : Participating to the Art3F Show in Monaco allowed me to introduce my work to a wider international audience. That is my mission. I wanted to talk about my art with people from different backgrounds. I have been pleasantly surprised to learn that paper lace is still unknown for most. Exchanging with visitors from different cultures was very enriching and most of them were touched by the message I defend. ***
To know more about Maïe Alexandre please visit her official website.
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
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