Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper

New exhibition opens October 4, 2025 at the KIA

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts presents Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper on view October 4, 2025–January 11, 2026. Presenting traditional washi in innovative, contemporary forms, this exhibition invites the community to take part in a diverse dialogue and reflection on how mediums from around the world continue to evolve, adapt, and inspire. 

Passed down from one generation to the next, the painstaking production techniques of washi stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Its everlasting and continuously evolving importance as a medium is a result of the ingenuity of Japanese contemporary artists, who have pushed the practice beyond its conventional applications. Washi, which translates to “Japanese paper,” has been fundamental to Japanese culture for more than a thousand years. Prized for its strong natural fibers, translucency, and malleability, the unique properties of this paper have made it extremely versatile and ubiquitous. Historically, washi has been used in Japanese calligraphy, painting, and printmaking. However, when oiled, lacquered, or modified in other manners, it has other fascinating uses that extend into architecture, religious ritual, fashion, and art.

“At a time when so much of life is digital, this exhibition invites us to slow down and marvel at what human hands can do with the simplest material. These artists honor centuries of craft while inventing new possibilities—you don’t just look at the work, you feel it. It will change the way you see paper. It’s a rare, luminous experience that speaks to Kalamazoo’s love of making and innovation, and I can’t wait for our community to experience it together.”

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper presents over 30 highly textured two-dimensional works, expressive sculptures, and dramatic installations that explore the astonishing potential of this traditional medium. In this exhibition, nine Japanese artists embrace the seemingly infinite possibilities of washi, underscoring the unique stature this ancient art form has earned in the realm of international contemporary art. The breathtaking creativity of these artistic visionaries deepens our understanding of how the past informs the present, and how it can build lasting cultural bridges out of something as seemingly simple and ephemeral as paper. 

The mission of the KIA is to cultivate the creation and appreciation of visual arts in West Michigan. We believe the arts are for everyone; they inspire, fulfill, and transform. Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper invites the Kalamazoo community and beyond to experience this exhibition and to observe and reflect upon artworks of a timeless cultural tradition. 

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Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper was organized by Meher McArthur and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC

Meher McArthur is an independent curator and historian of Japanese art. She previously served as the Art & Cultural Director of Japan House, Los Angeles, and Curator of East Asian Art at Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, CA and curated the IA&A traveling exhibitions Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami (2012–2016) and Above the Fold: New Expressions in Contemporary Origami (2015–2020) and co-curated Nature, Tradition and Innovation: Japanese Ceramics from the Gordon Brodfuehrer Collection (2016–2019). McArthur received an MA in Japanese Studies from Cambridge University; a postgraduate diploma in Asian Art from Sotheby’s School of Oriental Studies (SOAS), London University; and an MA in Art and Archaeology from SOAS, London University. She has published widely on Asian art and culture.

 

Programs and Events for Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper and Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review Members’ Reception: Friday, October 10, 5:30–7:30pm.

KIA members are invited to join us at a Member’s Preview reception for the exhibitions Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper and the KNAS Faculty Review on Friday, October 10 from 5:30–7:30pm. For more event details and registration, visit kiarts.org/events. 

 

Book Discussion: The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi: Wednesday, October 15, 2–3pm.

The Lantern of Lost Memories tells the story of Mr. Hirasaki’s magical photo studio, a gateway to the afterlife where the departed revisit their memories through a “spinning lantern.” Guests—including a kind yakuza, a devoted teacher, and a young girl—relive their past and choose one cherished moment to photograph. This emotional story celebrates memory, love, and beauty. Discussion will relate themes in the book with the exhibition Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper.

All book discussions are free, open to the public, and take place in-person at the Meader Fine Arts Library in the KIA. Participants do not need to have read the book, but it will help facilitate the overall discussion. Preregistration is encouraged.

Create Your Own Washi Tape Bookmark: Saturday, October 18, 11am–3pm.

In celebration of Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper, visit the Meader Fine Arts Library at the KIA to make your own bookmark using colorful washi tape and book pages. All supplies will be provided for this free event.

 

Art Break: A Visit to the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, October 22, 12–1pm.

The Kalamazoo Book Arts Center functions as a creative public space where artists and book enthusiasts of all kinds gather to celebrate the collaborative arts of the book, including papermaking, printmaking, letterpress, bookbinding, and creative writing. KBAC preserves and employs traditional technologies while combining them with contemporary ideas and techniques. During this off-site ArtBreak, we will venture to KBAC to learn more about the organization and its diverse array of offerings!

Washi Community Day: Saturday, November 8, 11am–2pm.

Join us for a paper-inspired Community Day! Explore Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper. Washi, which translates to “Japanese paper,” is the main medium of this exhibition, which features two-dimensional works, sculptures, and installations by nine Japanese artists. After viewing the exhibition, get creative with members from the WMU Soga Japan Center who will guide you through origami folding and Japanese calligraphy. You can also join the Collage Crew Kzoo in the library for a collage-making session.

 

Reginald Dwayne Betts visits the KIA November 12–19

The author of a memoir and five collections of poetry, Betts is a MacArthur Fellow and has been awarded fellowships from Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Study, the National Endowment for the Arts, Emerson Collective, and the Guggenheim Foundation. He holds a J.D. from Yale Law School.

Betts founded Freedom Reads in 2020 with a grant from the Mellon Foundation. To date, the organization has opened more than 500 Freedom Libraries in 50 adult and youth prisons across 13 states. These libraries provide a locus where conversation and community can begin inside and outside of prison walls, supporting the efforts of incarcerated individuals to imagine new possibilities for their lives. Fore more information on Reginald Dwayne Betts Programs visit https://www.kiarts.org/betts/ 

 

Artful Evening: The Ways that Paper Leads to Freedom, November 13, 6–7pm.

During this talk, Reginald Dwayne Betts will explore Felon: An American Washi Tale, a solo show that confronts the weight and legitimacy of the word “felon” through poetry, visual art, and performance. Drawing from his own story—sent to prison at 16, discovering poetry behind bars—Betts will offer an immersive meditation on incarceration, identity, and the power of art to reshape the narrative of who we are and who we might become.

 

Sake Tasting, November 15, 3–4pm.

Escape the November chill and warm up with a sampling of Japanese sake! During this special event, Keiko Nakajima and Jingran Wang will offer a brief presentation on the history and cultural significance of sake in Japan, followed by a guided tasting of a variety of sakes. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and ticket price includes gallery admission. Arrive early or stay after to explore Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper before our galleries close at 5 pm. Seating is limited, and preregistration is required. Guests must be 21 or over and must present ID upon arrival.

 

Extended Hours on FREE Thursdays

Enjoy free general admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays thanks to generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.

 

Free Thursdays removes barriers and opens doors to inspiration, learning, and connection, whether someone is a lifelong art enthusiast or just wants to explore and reflect. Free July is so much more than a promotion, it is an invitation to everyone in the community!  

Learn more at https://www.kiarts.org

 

KIA Exhibitions in October 2025

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper (Opens October 4, 2025)

Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review (Opens October 11, 2025)

Ink Rhapsody: The Art of Lingnan Masters In Hong Kong (through October 26, 2025)

About the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Since 1924, the KIA has offered its visitors the opportunity to enjoy and create art. The KIA’s permanent collection holds more than 4,600 objects across a wide spectrum of media, and the museum  presents 10-15 exhibitions annually in its ten galleries. In addition to its exhibition spaces, the museum houses the KIA Gallery Shop, which sells pieces by international artisans and local and regional artists, a multi-media auditorium, a publicly accessible library, an interactive children’s gallery, and the Kirk Newman Art School (KNAS). KNAS has nurtured the creative passions of tens of thousands of students around the region, state, and beyond, annually welcoming more than 3,400 enrollments. Students of all ages engage with our talented and committed faculty as a part of an exciting fine arts curriculum that includes ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, drawing/painting, printmaking, fiber, photography, glass fusing and enrichment program.

Expanded offerings, collaborations, and outreach will celebrate 100 years of excellence in the arts and bring the KIA’s unparalleled resources to a wider audience than ever before. These special initiatives will give back to the community in appreciation for 100 years of growth, and deepen the ability of all Kalamazooans to find joy, learn from one another, and grow. Through close listening and renewed creativity, the anniversary will illuminate the pathway for the Institute’s next 100 years. For more information, visit www.kiarts.org.