Clare Celeste Börsch
Paper artist
Berlin, Germany
Defending the Amazon through paper art
- Clare Celeste makes paper art installations representing tropical flora and fauna
- Her works are inspired by science and environmental advocacy, such as Brazil’s ecosystems and the Amazon
- Making collages has been a passion of hers since childhood
A cornerstone of Clare Celeste Börsch’s artistic practice is her deep, formative connection to the natural world. When applying to graduate school, she envisioned a Venn diagram of her ideal profession, and found that art, science and advocacy converged at the intersection. Years later, Clare Celeste has fully realised this vision. Her work goes beyond aesthetics, functioning as a tool for communication and public engagement, addressing critical issues such as ecosystems and biodiversity through paper art. Mentorship has been essential to Clare Celeste’s artistic growth. "I was fortunate to be guided by a renowned paper artist in my formative years, to help me refine my technique and navigate the complexities of the medium," she explains.
INTERVIEW
I vividly remember receiving a beautifully bound book from my father in Florence. Over the years, I filled it with collages, transforming it into a cherished visual diary. That book planted the seed for my lifelong love of collage and paper art.
Absolutely. My work is deeply shaped by the ecosystems I have lived in, especially Brazil. Experiencing both the breath-taking beauty and the heartbreaking destruction of the Amazon left an indelible mark on me. My art is a tribute to the natural world, advocating for endangered places that need our care and attention.
I am deeply intrigued by the interplay between traditional craft and modern technology. Recently, I collaborated with a motion designer and a dancer, exploring how analogue and digital elements can merge in new and unexpected ways. This blending of old and new excites me – paper collage with digital animation, tactile installations with interactive components.
During one of my early immersive installations, I found myself crawling inside my own artwork, surrounded by layers of paper flora and fauna. At that moment, I realised I had unintentionally recreated the sensation of stepping into a tree, a childhood experience that had always filled me with wonder. This reaffirmed my passion for sharing my awe and connection towards nature with others.
