From inexpensive, ubiquitous, and utilitarian materials, virtually endless forms and narratives can be created with a bit of imagination. That’s exactly what the show Cardboard: Infinite Possibilities, opening next month at Wönzimer Gallery, aims to highlight.
The group exhibition is curated by Ann Weber, whose work Colossal readers may recognize, along with that of Narsiso Martinez and Shigeru Ban. The show also highlights an iconic chair design by Frank Gehry, who died this month at the age of 96, plus contributions from Jodi Hays, Edgar Ramirez, Leonie Weber, Samuelle Richardson, Jabila Okongwu, and more.
Frank Gehry, “Easy Edges Wiggle Chair” (1972), corrugated cardboard and hardboard, 34 x 24 x 17 inches. Courtesy of Frank O. Gehry & Gehry Design, LLC
In her own work, Ann Weber has long sought to subvert what we consider a purely functional, disposable medium. Her practice involves meticulously cutting, wrapping, and weaving strips of salvaged cardboard into bulbous, sometimes towering sculptures. Others also embrace this approach, like Martinez, who repurposes discarded produce boxes as a substrate for paintings and drawings, and Leonie Weber, whose painted and crumbled box assemblages appear almost like dyed and felted wool installations at first glance.
Ban’s sustainable approach to architecture using cardboard emphasizes how the medium can be transformed from cheap packaging material to humanitarian design, where tubes can be used as modular units to build rapid-response shelters.
Cardboard: Infinite Possibilities runs from January 2 to 30 in Los Angeles. See more on the gallery’s website.
Narsiso Martinez, “Philosophy in the Fields” (2016), ink and charcoal on cardboard, 6 x 9 feet. Courtesy of Charlie James Gallery
Leonie Weber, “Baby” (2025), found cardboard, Flashe paint, wood frame, hardware, and glue, 32 x 25 x 9 inches
Jebila Okongwu, “Divination Painting No. 3” (2015), mixed media collage on linen, 55 1/8 x 44 1/2 inches. Courtesy of Baert Gallery, Los Angeles
Shigeru Ban, “Paper Log House” (2001), India. Photo © Kartikeya-Shodhan, courtesy of Voluntary Architects’ Network (VAN)
Samuelle Richardson, “Daedalus” (2024), cardboard, junk mail, staples, and glue, 21 x 7 x 9 inches
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