This HKU exhibition brings Swiss and Chinese paper cuttings under one roof

Switzerland and China don’t seem to have much in common, but did you know that both have spent centuries perfecting the craft of paper cutting? This spring, the University Museum and Art Gallery at HKU is bringing these art forms together for the first time in an eye-opening exhibition that lets you explore a unique craft from two disparate cultures.

Opening on March 20, the ‘Tradition & Perfection: Paper Cuttings from China & Switzerland’  exhibition lines up works from both countries for a side-by-side look. A parallel show will also be running simultaneously at the Kunsthaus Interlaken in Switzerland.

Swiss paper cuttings are all about storytelling, stepping in during the mid-19th century to replace the popular shadow pictures known as silhouettes. Typically cut from black paper and laid out with a clean symmetry, they zoom in on everyday Alpine scenes with intricate detail. Works from pioneers like Johann Jakob Hauswirth and Louis Saugy will be on display, alongside contemporary pieces by Ueli Hofer, Martha Kneusslin, Nelly Naef, and more.

The Chinese works take a different approach, with red paper leading the way as a symbol of good luck. These cuttings are often produced in sets, with works revolving around different subjects or themes such as tigers and peacocks, Beijing opera masks, pagoda towers, or the scenic beauty of various regions. Symbolism also runs deep with Chinese pieces; a pine tree paired with a crane, for instance, represents longevity and wishes for health in old age. Just like their Swiss counterparts, Chinese paper cuttings also tell stories, drawing from folklore and other well-known tales.

The exhibition opens with a historical rundown of how paper cutting evolved in both countries, before shifting into thematic juxtapositions that let you trace its roots and spot how the two cultures approached the same medium with different instincts. If you’re planning out your cultural hits for March, this one’s a solid addition.

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