Irene Karpiczenko / Werner Gunterswiler

From to

IRENE KARPICZENKO

I am always fascinated by the graphic design richness of J.J. Hauswirth’s colorful paper cuts.

For me, the Musée du Pays-d’Enhaut is, in a way, a home for his work. Exhibiting here, in the Swiss Paper Cut Center, is an honor and a great joy for me.

My paper cuts deal with tradition and the present, and can help to improve their perception in society in a rather unconventional way. Contrary to widespread belief, however, my paper cuts are neither very thin, nor black and white. A taste of the profession with the Bernese graphic designer and paper cutter Klaus Berger not only enthused me for the profession of graphic designer, but his paper cuts also impressed me very much—the foundation for my paper cuts was laid.

My design work is largely project and theme-oriented, influenced by my environment.

In addition to paper cutting, I use a variety of techniques and materials and always carry with me a drawing pencil and sketchbook.

WERNER GUNTERSWILER

As a native of Thurgau, I lack a connection to traditional paper cutting.

My creative work lies between paper cutting and ceramics, and I love the variety of design and thematic possibilities.

As a paper cutter, I can cut insects or animal portraits today, political themes tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, I can create background paper cuts depicting phases of human life. I often also seek to connect paper cutting with ceramics and design the same themes in paper and clay.

For my work, I do detailed, content-related and graphic preparatory work, before the scissors can start cutting.
Thanks to the slow working method, ideas and thoughts constantly flow into the creation process of a paper cut, even while cutting.

“I understand my paper cuts as cut drawings in which graphics and content are expressed sharply through the black and white contrast.”