Layla May Arthur is a paper artist from Jersey who crafts paper entirely by hand. Relying on technique and attention to detail, Layla cuts elaborate patterns and entices sculptural forms from the paper. She aspires to leave her audience both fascinated with the craftsmanship of the paper piece and the story behind it.
Layla’s practice explores how paper changes appearance under the influence of light. Playing with which parts of the paper to cut away and which parts to leave, her work projects theatrical shadows onto the audience and its surrounding. The light and shadows sculpt the space allowing the audience to experience the paper, placing them and their interpretations literally within the work.
A Paper Artist in Progress, combines three series of work; Jersey; My Childhood Home (2019), the Storyteller, the Listener and our Story (2021) and Unfolded (2023-2024). All of the works are inspired by stories and in each the paper is manipulated differently, as Layla continues to develop new techniques. A newly commissioned sound composition has been created by Jersey composer Christina Orchard as part of the exhibition.
Layla’s paper works have been exhibited internationally including museums in Switzerland, Italy, Denmark and several in America and the Netherlands. In 2023, She received the prestigious Dutch Mondriaan Fund for young artists.
There is no need to book a ticket, please just drop in to ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House in St Helier. The show launches on the evening of Thursday 23 May 2024, and is open to the public from Friday 24 May to Sunday 30 June 2024. Tuesday to Sunday, 10.30am to 6pm.
Please see the ArtHouse Jersey website for accessibility information.
