Matt Shlian
Sculptural Paper
Whilst the work of Shlian has an apparent mathematical and meticulously organised nature, surprisingly the artist often works in a more intuitive approach. Starting with the inception of an idea, the artist lets his chosen material of paper pave the way, as he folds and evolves the artwork.
Actively collaborating with leading universities in the research field of paper engineering and nano folding, Shlian brings a theoretical sensibility to his work. Within the resultant compositions there are evident thematic connections to cellular structures and biomimetics, as well as wider reference to Islamic design and architecture.
Example works & projects
About the Artist
Matt Shlian is an American Artist working from his studio in Michigan. After completing a Fine Arts BA at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, he concentrated on Print Media and Paper Engineering in his MFA at the Cranbrook Academy (2006). He has regularly been invited to lecture at institutions and universities, and is regularly featured in publications.
Shlian’s work has been exhibited across the USA, as well as London, Amsterdam, Venice, Barcelona and Brussels, and throughout the Middle East at prestigious events like the Islamic Arts Festival in the UAE. This includes commissions for public, corporate and private art collections, including in the Americas, Europe and the GCC. He has collaborated with clients such as Apple, P&G, the University of Michigan Material Science Department, Deloitte, Fidelity, the United States Mint, and the Queen of Jordan.