Woodland Creatures Inhabit an Imaginary World in Kanako Abe’s Intricate Paper Cuts

In Kanako Abe's delicate paper collages, woodland creatures populate a whimsical realm akin to Narnia, as seen through foliage-covered gateways. The artist's creations consist of oversized wolves, tiny bunnies, and inquisitive deer, wandering through their imaginary world that she crafts using the medium of paper-cutting. For Abe, "the paper becomes a canvas for stories untold, where every cut is a deliberate step into a world where imagination and reality intertwine."

Recently, Abe has applied her signature paper-cutting technique to an upcoming book project titled "The Paper Girl," co-authored with young adult novelist Caryl Lewis. The book, published by Frances Lincoln Ltd., follows the journey of a young protagonist who undergoes transformations in response to others' comments and directives, ultimately learning to assert herself by using the power of "no."

The book is set to be released on October 6, with pre-orders available on Bookshop. Fans who provide proof of purchase through a form on Quarto will receive a signed bookplate from Abe herself.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Abe is currently preparing a curatorial project at Giant Robot Gallery, which is scheduled to open in January. The exhibit will feature her work alongside that of other artists. Abe will also participate in a group exhibition at Childhood's End Gallery in Olympia, Washington, in April. To stay updated on her work and projects, followers can follow her on Instagram.

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