Lina Uchida

Paper sculptor

©K. Tsukasa

Sculpting life's transformations

Lina handcrafts paper sculptures with unique colours achieved by burning Japanese paper
In her work, the moth represents metamorphosis
Washi paper that she uses evolved from Chinese techniques introduced via Korea in 610

Lina Uchida earned an MA in Textile Arts in 2016. She specialises in using the traditional hariko technique, which consists of layering Japanese paper and glue over moulds to create sculptures with a hollow interior. Lina explores human metamorphosis through external and internal stimuli, paralleling physical and artistic transformation in a surreal visual language. Her three-dimensional installations on life and death evoke human body textures, contrasting the natural colour of papier-mâché with richly textured insects like moths. Lina has exhibited at the Kumamoto City Museum of Contemporary Art and Takamatsu City Museum of Art, focusing on themes of "intersection with others" and the interplay between the ordinary and extraordinary.

Interview

©K. Tsukasa

©K. Tsukasa

What is the underlying concept of your work?: Once something is burned, it is completely gone. My work explores the coexistence of life and death, emphasizing awareness of mortality ("memento mori") and hope for rebirth, conveying a sense of space that exists between decay and new beginnings.
What characterises your work and techniques?: I create three-dimensional works with the hariko technique using Japanese paper and silicone moulds for precision. I source high-quality paper from Kyoto and Tokyo. To maintain its texture, I use heat to colour the paper brown instead of pigments.
Why do you choose to use washi specifically?: Japanese paper is soft like human skin yet strong. Each sheet's unique texture amazes me. Washi's durablility and resistance to minor water damage and impacts makes it a forgiving material to work with, and it suits my carefree nature.
What do you want to communicate to the world through your works?: How many years in a lifetime are truly peaceful? Death is inevitable and always close, so it is important to live joyfully. Art contributes to this joy by influencing feelings and expanding interests. I hope my work can be part of that experience.

Lina Uchida is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2010