Between the Folds
plays in Automorphosis
Feature Film Documentary
(France , Israel , USA, 2008, 56 mins)
In English, French, Japanese with English subtitlesDigi Beta
Directed By: Vanessa Gould
Executive Producer: Sally Rosenthal
Producer: Vanessa Gould, Ariel Friedman
Screenwriter: Vanessa Gould
Cast: Erik Demaine, Martin Demaine, Paul Jackson, Eric Joisel, Robert J. Lang, Michael La Fosse
Producer: Vanessa Gould, Ariel Friedman
Screenwriter: Vanessa Gould
Cast: Erik Demaine, Martin Demaine, Paul Jackson, Eric Joisel, Robert J. Lang, Michael La Fosse
Origami: a square paper, a few quick folds, and there you have it—something that looks vaguely like a bird. Trivial, I thought. But after seeing this movie I will never think the same way about origami, nor about paper.
Robert Lang, for example, one of over a dozen individualists we meet in this film, is a former NASA physicist with two degrees from CalTech who gave up all previous work to devote himself to folding squares of paper. Why‾ because folding, whether you think about it or not, is mathematics in action. If you fold skillfully enough, converting two-dimensional paper into a realistic three-dimensional object, you are recapitulating the very process of life.
In fact, we are all folded creations. DNA folds. Embryos fold as they come to life. Folding gives us clues to the process of the cosmos, and origami is the place where math, art, physics, music, and applied technology all merge.
The film pays tribute to Yoshizawa Sensei (1909–2005), who abandoned a factory job to dedicate his life to interpreting the world through paper. He developed the picture-diagram system for teaching origami techniques, and he created 50,000 models, never charging for any of them.
His next-generation adherents, though, dominate this film—not just scientists and mathematicians of course but also fine artists, theorists, technology designers, and teachers using origami as a way to "get your hands dirty with math."
This is a reminder that limitations—one square sheet of paper—can be incredibly freeing.
Robert Lang, for example, one of over a dozen individualists we meet in this film, is a former NASA physicist with two degrees from CalTech who gave up all previous work to devote himself to folding squares of paper. Why‾ because folding, whether you think about it or not, is mathematics in action. If you fold skillfully enough, converting two-dimensional paper into a realistic three-dimensional object, you are recapitulating the very process of life.
In fact, we are all folded creations. DNA folds. Embryos fold as they come to life. Folding gives us clues to the process of the cosmos, and origami is the place where math, art, physics, music, and applied technology all merge.
The film pays tribute to Yoshizawa Sensei (1909–2005), who abandoned a factory job to dedicate his life to interpreting the world through paper. He developed the picture-diagram system for teaching origami techniques, and he created 50,000 models, never charging for any of them.
His next-generation adherents, though, dominate this film—not just scientists and mathematicians of course but also fine artists, theorists, technology designers, and teachers using origami as a way to "get your hands dirty with math."
This is a reminder that limitations—one square sheet of paper—can be incredibly freeing.
Not yet MPAA rated
Screening Schedule
Thu, Jun 18th 8:00pm
McCoy Theater- Maui Arts & Cultural Cntr
McCoy Theater- Maui Arts & Cultural Cntr
$10.00
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