Origins of Froissage
Emerging in the 1960s, froissage was innovated by Czech visionary Ladislav Novák amid the constraints of Eastern European politics. This method of creasing paper to generate forms was a subtle act of rebellion, turning discarded elements into profound statements.
Drawing from surrealist principles of the unconscious, it evolved as a tool for alchemical-like transformations in visual expression.
Its spread in the following decades shaped abstract and conceptual art across continents.
Influential Contributors
Ladislav Novák (1925-1999)
As the originator, Novák integrated froissage with chemical processes, producing ethereal visions from mundane sources.
Jiří Kolář (1914-2002)
Kolář expanded froissage through layered collages, fleeing to Paris to amplify its global reach.
Additional Pioneers
- André-Pierre Arnal: Extended it to fabric and large-scale installations.
- Simon Hantaï: Explored folding variants in vibrant abstracts.
Contemporary Impact
Froissage now informs eco-art and digital simulations, symbolizing resilience and innovation in creative practices.