Exploring the Art of Paper-Cut Portraits at Adapa Gallery

On the afternoon of August 16, I had the pleasure of leading a paper-cut introduction workshop at Adapa Gallery in Tehran. This hands-on session was an exciting dive into the world of paper cutting, where participants learned the fundamentals of working with scalpels and cardboard to create intricate, layered portraits.

In three hours, each participant was guided through the process of designing and crafting their own paper-cut portrait. We began by exploring the basic principles of using a scalpel for precise cuts, then moved on to layering the cut pieces using two-sided tape. By carefully stacking the layers, participants were able to create a dynamic piece of art that, when framed and backlit, allowed light to pass through at different intensities. This technique beautifully simulates outlines and contrast, bringing each portrait to life with varying hues and depths.