Stunning Paper Fashions at 2024 Paper on Skin Competition

Truth be told, I had real trouble settling down to write today's post... it's Election Day here in the U.S., but I suppose you know that... the whole world is watching, after all. But luckily I know exactly what to feature to take our minds off the potential results. The creativity that transpired at the 2024 Paper on Skin competition in Tasmania reminds us that goodness and ingenuity will always prevail on this planet despite the agitators and detractors.

 

 

Paper, Pattern, Dress (after Junon), Prue Corlette (AUS), Paper as Textile Award

Paper on Skin, which has taken place every two years since 2012, is becoming more and more well known. Not just a competition, it includes an exhibition, workshops, and a gala event. 

 

 

After the Bushfires - Regeneration (detail) Sally Baldwin (UK), Major Award

 

 

Because there is no theme, entrants are free to focus on what matters to them personally. The wearable art they create must be made from at least 80% paper.

 

 

After the Bushfires - Regeneration, Sally Baldwin (UK), Major Award

 

 

The Paper on Skin concept was launched by Pam Thorne, a Tasmanian paper mache sculptor of life-size figures. Due to Covid, 2020 was the first year in which a film version of the competition was made, which fortuitously helped it to gain additional recognition, alerting paper artists worldwide. (Pam was a guest on Helen Hiebert's Paper Talk podcast that same year.)

 

 

Alchemy, Darryl Bedford, Mayor of Devonport Award

 

 

Helen, by the way, was a guest lecturer and workshop leader at this year's Paper on Skin that took place in September.  

 

 

Loom of Life, Antoaneta Tica (ROM)

 

 

A partnership was formed between this year's Paper on Skin and the 2024 Lucca Biennale Cartasia in Tuscany. A work by Tasmanian artist Leonie Oakes, 'Slippage: two small figures scrambled to their feet' (2012), was on display in Lucca, and Feathers of a Peacock by James Dimech of Malta was sent to the Paper on Skin exhibition from the Fashion section of the Lucca Biennale Cartasia. 

 

 

Left - Slippage: Two Small Figures Scrambled to Their Feet, Leonie Oakes (TAS)    Right - Feathers of a Peacock, James Mimech (MLT)

 

The Paper on Skin exhibition is open until November 16, 2024 at the Devonport Regional Gallery in Devonport, Tasmania. Visit the Paper on Skin website, as well as its Instagram and Facebook pages where you can read much more about the events, as well as this year's winners.