Art in every fibre: Paper as a medium in the spotlight at Paper Positions

Paper offers artists a special power of expression, from delicate drawings to impressive sculptural works. The Paper Positionsfair focuses precisely on this diversity and presents paper not only as a carrier material, but as an art medium in its own right. With its innovative concept, the fair creates a showcase for the fascinating range of paper art and invites visitors to rediscover the creative power of this often underestimated material.

Paper as an art medium is fascinating not only because of its versatility, but also because of the innovative power it unfolds. Works by artists such as Angela Glajcar and Oskar Holweck have shown how paper, in its fragility and structure, opens up spaces and enables new perspectives on art. It is precisely this fascination that is also the focus of Paper Positions, the next edition of which will take place in Vienna from 21 to 24 November 2024. Here, paper is celebrated not only as a medium, but as a work of art in its own right - creating a new enthusiasm for the material that is familiar to us, but always surprises us.

An international showcase for art on paper

The Paper Positions fair has established itself as an integral part of the international art scene. With locations in Berlin, Munich, Basel and Vienna, it offers a showcase for art that puts the medium of paper centre stage. The special diversity of the paper art on display and the open, low-threshold presentation make the concept of the fair unique. "Our aim is to work together with the galleries to show the widest possible range of paper creations that surprise and inspire both our collectors and the general public," explains Kristian Jarmuschek, one of the two fair directors.

Another feature that characterises Paper Positions is the innovative Z-shape of the stands, which promotes interaction between visitors, galleries and artists. "This arrangement lowers the inhibition threshold and encourages dialogue," says Heinrich Carstens, another director of the fair. In addition to the variety of techniques and artistic approaches, which range from drawings to expansive installations, the internationality of the exhibitors plays a central role. "In Berlin, we usually have between 30 and 40 per cent of galleries that are not from Germany," explains Jarmuschek. The easy transportability of the medium makes it particularly attractive for international galleries.

Paper Positions was created in 2017, originally as a supplement to the main fair, Positions Berlin Art Fair. "We soon realised that one event a year wasn't enough for us," recalls Jarmuschek. When they were offered a venue at Bikini Berlin that was unsuitable for large-format art, they came up with the idea of showing works on paper. "Works on paper, which are often smaller and have a more immediate effect, were a perfect fit," explains Carstens. It quickly became clear that there was a great deal of interest in paper as an artistic medium in its own right - the response from galleries, artists and visitors was overwhelming. "Our aim is to show interested parties that paper is much more than just a carrier material - it is a medium that never ceases to surprise in its versatility," summarises Carstens.

Paper: A variety of possibilities and challenges

At Paper Positions, directors Kristian Jarmuschek and Heinrich Carstens are in dialogue with the art scene to explore experiences and perspectives on this fascinating material. "We have had many conversations with galleries and artists who have told us that paper is often perceived as temporary and provisional. This is very different from other materials, such as canvas," explains Jarmuschek. "The artists appreciate the spontaneity that comes with working with paper. It allows a much more direct approach to the creative process." Carstens adds: "The challenge often lies in the fact that paper is a fragile medium. But it is precisely this fragility that opens up new avenues. You can work with different techniques, be it by cutting, tearing or processing found paper. This diversity is what makes working with paper so appealing." Another remarkable characteristic of the medium is the speed with which ideas can be realised. "Paper enables artists to put ideas on paper much faster and more intensively than with larger canvases," says Jarmuschek. "This makes the artistic process much more intuitive."

Paper Positions not only shows the diversity of the medium, but also the return to old techniques. Carstens notes: "We are observing that classic methods such as watercolour or collage are taking on a new appeal. These techniques are now being reinterpreted and integrated into the artistic discourse." One key trend is the exploration of perfection. "More and more artists are attaching less importance to perfection and are leaving gaps in their work. They are prepared to accept imperfection and experiment with it. This openness is refreshing and is particularly evident in the work of artists such as Oskar Holweck, who was already working with paper as the main protagonist in the 1960s," explains Carstens.

In an increasingly digitalised world, the medium of paper is not only a creative tool, but also a statement. "Paper is withdrawing to some extent from everyday life and is thus gaining in value and appeal. It is no longer a matter of course to use paper, which makes the artistic exploration of this medium all the more interesting," says Jarmuschek. Sustainability also plays an important role in paper art. "Recycling is a big issue, especially for artists who work with collages. They use found materials and show that paper is a valuable raw material," emphasises Carstens.