Cut Paper 1967

This photograph, by Frederick Sommer, is of a construction made from cut paper. It is a fine example of how the most everyday materials, through artistic intervention, can become something extraordinary. Sommer takes a common material, paper, and through cutting, folding, and arrangement, transforms it into a complex, almost architectural composition. The paper's inherent qualities, its flatness, its ability to hold a crease, its capacity to cast shadows, are all brought into play. Consider the skill involved in achieving this balance of forms, the precision of the cuts, and the deliberate placement of each piece to create depth and dynamism. In doing so, Sommer elevates what might be considered a simple craft technique into a sophisticated artistic statement, questioning the traditional hierarchy between art and craft. Ultimately, it is this interplay between material, process, and artistic vision that gives the work its unique power. It reminds us that the value of art lies not only in the final product, but also in the labor, skill, and ingenuity that goes into its making.