Paper Cuts is an interactive paper sculpture by Mandy Smith and Hal Kirkland that invites people to experience the world’s most recognizable instrument of death, head first. However, unlike it’s deadly ancestor, this blade will result in nothing more final than a ‘possible’ paper cut. The guillotine became part of popular culture during France’s Reign of Terror (1793-94) and the subsequent French Revolution. While used well into modern times throughout other European countries the last time it was used for official business was in France was 1977.
This experience is coming to the Theatrum Anatomicum on March 1st and brings a new twist to this infamous apparatus while arousing people’s natural fascination for the macabre. It will transform a powerful and oppressive symbol of death into a thing of beauty. Delicate, inviting and something people may even line up for. Voluntarily this time.
And every time the paper blade falls a camera will be triggered to capture the expression of the those who have put their neck on the line for an art experience like no other. Each fearful facial expression, forever immortalized on the Paper Cuts website.
Launch at Theatrum Anatomicum of the Waag
Paper Cuts will launch on March 1st at one of Amsterdam’s most historic locations, the Waag. The Waag is Amsterdam’s oldest remaining non-religious building and has served as a weiging house, guildhall, museum, fire station and anatomical theatre. At the beginning of the 19th century it had an execution stage with guillotine built in front of the building (at the market side). From here Paper Cuts will then begin its journey to galleries around the globe.
This piece is the first collaboration between artists Mandy Smith and Hal Kirkland. Mandy Smith is an internationally renown Paper Artist based in Amsterdam, who has created exhibitions, TV commercials and paper fashion around the globe and recently spoke at TedX. Hal Kirkland is an internationally awarded Creative Director / Director who has created alternative audio tours for the uggenheim and MoMA, shot music videos for Snoop Dogg and Sesame Street and has had his work tour in museums around the world.
The collaboration will include Amsterdam’s own Random Studio and Fablab. Random Studio is one of Amsterdam’s premier digital production companies who built their reputation by crafting interactive experiences for the some of the world leading brand’s such as Nike, Coke and Dom Pérignon.
When?
Saturday 1 March 2014
from 12.00 till 18.00 hrs
Where?
Theatrum Anatomicum of the Waag
Nieuwmarkt 4
1012 CR Amsterdam
Entrance is free. Registration is not required.