The Origami Tetrahedron

The Origami Tetrahedron

 

The tetrahedron I use in my artworks is the origami fold invented by Tomoko Fuse.

It is a fascinating shape.

"Heart" - folded paper on canvas - 2020 - 30x30 cm (12x12 in)

I was inspired to use it repeated into patterns in my art, especially in the heart shape or curved shapes.

I love the contrast in using a module with only straight lines to form a composition with very soft curves.

"Love is Gold" - painted folded paper on painted canvas - 2021 - 100x30 cm (40x12 in)

In geometry a tetrahedron is a pyramid formed of 4 equilateral triangles. I love to give meaning to numbers, so I associate the tetrahedron to numbers 3 and 4: 3 for action and the third energy center in the body (solar plexus), 4 for love and the heart.

"Collective Heart" - folded paper on painted canvas - 2022 - 60x60 cm (24x24 in)

Researching and reading I found some very interesting meanings related to the tetrahedron: 

  • it is one of the five Platonic Solids and represents the element of Fire
  • It is the strongest and most stable solid
  • In chemistry many elementary molecules use it as a frame
  • It’s in the structure of diamond, the hardest natural substance.

"Blue Flame" - folded paper on painted canvas - 2022 - 50x50 cm (20x20 in)

The biggest artwork I made is the triptych “The Ripple”. It travelled from England to exhibitions in Venice (Italy) and back. One of the tetrahedrons was missing, so I repaired the artwork by making a substitute and gluing it to the canvas. The tetrahedrons are so resistant! (And one preferred to stay in Venice…).

"The Ripple" - folded paper on canvas - 2021 - 3 canvases 30x100 cm (12x40 in)

In my art the single module often represent one heart, and for association, one person. I found confirmation of this idea in visions of me, or a person in general, being contained in a tetrahedron, in a seated position, crossed legged.

I talked about this module in this video on Instagram as well.

 

Una Marzorati

unamarz Creations

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