The Rebirth of Papier-Mâché: Modern Artists Reviving an Ancient Craft
When most people hear the words papier-mâché, they think of grade school projects involving balloons, glue, and newspaper. But today, this humble medium is experiencing a renaissance—reshaped and reimagined by contemporary artists around the world. No longer relegated to craft tables, papier-mâché has taken center stage in galleries, home decor, and even fashion. At Montana Arts & Home, where we celebrate artisan craftsmanship, we’re inspired by the way this age-old technique is finding bold new expression.
A Timeless Technique
Papier-mâché, which literally means "chewed paper" in French, has been used for centuries to create everything from ceremonial masks in Asia to decorative armor in 17th-century Europe. The process is simple: paper is soaked or layered with an adhesive—typically a mixture of flour and water or modern glue—and molded into shapes. Once dried, the result is surprisingly strong, lightweight, and incredibly versatile.
What makes papier-mâché so timeless is its accessibility. It requires minimal tools, uses recyclable materials, and can be applied in ways that range from rough and rustic to polished and sculptural.
A Medium for Modern Makers
In recent years, a new wave of artists has embraced papier-mâché as a serious artistic medium. These makers are elevating the craft with conceptual depth, technical skill, and eco-conscious intention. Many are drawn to it because it allows for tactile, hands-on creation without the need for kilns, foundries, or studios filled with heavy equipment. In a world increasingly driven by digital screens, working with paper and paste offers a refreshing return to the tangible.
Take, for example, Julie Arkell, one of the UK’s most beloved contemporary folk artists. Her whimsical, slightly eerie papier-mâché figures—often dressed in vintage textiles—tell stories that feel like something out of a fairy tale. Each piece is painstakingly handmade and hand-painted, imbued with a sense of personality and nostalgia.
Meanwhile, Mexican artist Rodolfo Villena Hernández continues his country's rich tradition of cartonería—a form of papier-mâché sculpture used to create masks, alebrijes, and Day of the Dead figures. His work celebrates the vibrancy and surrealism of Mexican culture, bringing folkloric creatures and characters to life with bold colors and ornate detail.
In the U.S., artists like Daniele Derenzi are exploring papier-mâché as a vehicle for abstract and environmental art. Derenzi creates sculptural wall hangings and vessels that resemble ceramics, but are made entirely of recycled paper, paint, and paste. Her work highlights both the beauty and fragility of nature, often incorporating themes of ocean life, erosion, and organic growth.
Papier-Mâché in Home Decor
At Montana Arts & Home, we’ve noticed a growing appreciation for papier-mâché among interior designers and home stylists. Its organic texture, matte finish, and sculptural quality make it a favorite for bohemian, rustic, and modern spaces alike. Papier-mâché bowls and vessels, in particular, have become popular decorative items, adding depth and visual interest without overwhelming a room.
We’ve curated a selection of one-of-a-kind papier-mâché pieces that celebrate the art form’s handmade nature. These are not mass-produced objects; they’re unique expressions of imagination and care. Perfect for shelves, tabletops, or gallery walls, they offer a way to bring art—and story—into everyday life.
Supporting Artisan Voices
As with all the work we showcase, our papier-mâché artists represent a commitment to craft, community, and culture. By purchasing their work, you’re not only getting a beautiful object—you’re supporting a tradition that honors the hands and hearts behind it.
Papier-mâché may be made of paper and paste, but in the right hands, it comes to life.
