Cristian Marianciuc: A Modern Master of Origami
July 11, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair
Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, has found a modern master in Cristian Marianciuc, a Romanian-born artist who currently resides in Australia. Having undertaken a course in Japanese culture during his studies in Sydney, Marianciuc became captivated by the intricate art of origami.
In 2015, after returning to Romania, Marianciuc embarked on an ambitious challenge — to craft an origami crane each day for a year. His endeavour was inspired by the Japanese tradition of senbazuru, a folklore which promises a wish to be granted to those who manage to fold 1,000 origami cranes.
Through this project, Marianciuc not only honed his skills but also explored the potential of paper, transforming ordinary sheets into intricate, lifelike works of art. Each crane he created was distinct, reflecting the emotions and experiences of a specific day. The exercise became a form of visual diary for the artist, charting the course of a year in delicately folded paper.
Marianciuc’s origami cranes are testament to the beauty and complexity that can be created from simplicity. Through his art, he invites us all to pause, take in the details, and appreciate the magic that can emerge from a single sheet of paper.
