From the ashes arise origami koi
In the 1990s, Robert Lang, a physicist who once designed lasers for NASA, became a leading figure in the world of origami, combining math and art to create magic. After the 2025 Altadena wildfire destroyed his house, and a lifetime's works of folded paper, Lang set out to recreate his designs – and the origami community joined in. Tracy Smith reports.
Robert Lang, a renowned origami master, has reinvented himself as a full-time artist following the catastrophic destruction of his California home and studio by the Eaton fires in early 2025. Lang, who began folding paper at the age of six, is recognized globally for his extensive body of work, comprising over 800 original designs.
The devastating fire not only destroyed his home and studio but also the intricate origami display, including his prized collection of koi fish, which had recently returned from a successful exhibition in Denmark. Despite the immense loss, Lang was touched by the overwhelming outpouring of support from the origami community and beyond, who collectively contributed to the creation of new paper using ashes from his studio.
Using this unique material, Lang began crafting a new series of koi, symbolizing the phoenix-like rebirth of his art. The koi, showcased at the Mingei International Museum in San Diego, are a testament to Lang's unwavering passion for origami and his ability to transform adversity into creative expression. For Lang, origami remains a source of intellectual challenge and artistic fulfillment, providing solace and inspiration in the face of loss.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- From the ashes arise origami koi cbsnews.com
