Shovemiya Packiyanathan

Fold Super Structures

This photographic series documents the evolution of paper-based superstructures, from singular folded units to intricate, expansive patterns. Through strategic lighting and composition, the photographs reveal the architectural potential of paper—its ability to hold tension, create shadow, and build volume. Each image captures a moment of transformation, inviting viewers to see fragility not as limitation, but as a condition of strength and design.

“In this body of work, I explore the sculptural and architectural language of folded paper, examining how simple, repeated gestures can yield complex, resilient structures. Inspired by principles of modularity, geometry, and tension, I construct each form by hand—unit by unit—then capture them through the lens to highlight their textures, shadows, and emergent patterns.Photography becomes not just a documentation tool, but a collaborator in revealing the tension between form and light, structure and collapse. As the scale increases—from the intimacy of a single fold to the complexity of a superstructure—the images reflect on themes of fragility, precision, and accumulation.This project is ultimately an investigation into how modest materials and simple actions can scale into something monumental, meditative, and alive. By isolating these structures through the camera’s gaze, I aim to both celebrate their craft and question the boundaries between art, architecture, and design.”