Christine Kim's Hand-Cut Paper Portraits Evoke Memory Through Botanical Fragmentation

Christine Kim, a Korean-Canadian artist based in Toronto, produces delicate portraits that merge pencil drawing with hand-cut paper. Her Cut Paper Portrait series, initiated ten years ago, explores fragility and memory through fragmented images. Kim's process involves physically interacting with drawings using a blade, creating works where faces are interrupted by botanical elements like leaves and vines. This technique generates an organic double-exposure effect, reminiscent of dappled forest light. The artist aims to capture the sensation of a face glimpsed through sunlight, with natural shadows defining facial forms. Beyond this series, Kim also creates collages and paper sculptures, demonstrating mastery over the fragile material. Her work can be followed on Instagram under the handle @christinekim.paperart.