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Intricate Wilds: Narrative Papercutting of Victorian Flora & Fauna

14 Mar

At SIGNAL: Learn the art of papercutting and transform a single sheet of paper into detailed stories inspired by nature.

14 to 25 year olds

11am to 4pm

A black papercut artwork of a large tree with many branches and roots. People, animals, and birds appear as small silhouettes on and around the tree, surrounded by detailed leaves and insects.
cost

Free, bookings essential.

address

SIGNAL
Flinders Walk, Northbank 
Melbourne

Book now

Artists: Kyoko Imazu

Step into the intricate world of Victorian native flora and fauna in this hands-on papercutting workshop led by artist Kyoko Imazu. You’ll explore how plants, insects, birds, and animals can become characters in your own visual narratives, brought to life through careful cutting and thoughtful design.

Kyoko will guide you through her creative process, from observing and researching subjects to sketching and translating drawings into papercut forms. You’ll learn essential scalpel techniques and discover how simple shapes and negative space can create powerful, detailed imagery.

Whether you’re drawn to storytelling, illustration, or nature, this workshop offers a calm and focused space to experiment, build skills, and create your own papercut artwork inspired by the wilds of Victoria.  

No prior experience required.

All materials will be provided.

You are welcome to bring reference images.

Age: 14 to 25 years

Please ensure you are within this age range. 

Accessibility (including allergies)

Signal has two main event spaces. One is on the ground floor with step-free access, and one is on the first floor with both a staircase and a lift. There will be a quiet space available on the day. There may be background music, which can be turned down or off on request, and the lights are dimmable.

Some events might also use the outdoor area for activities or breaks. The concrete ground is mostly even, with a raised platform/bench on one side and a walkway on the other. There's no shade for most of the day. We can bring out additional chairs. Signal is located between a train line and the Yarra River, and there's significant background noise when trains are going past.

If you have any questions about accessibility or want to share anything about your access needs (including allergies) beforehand, please email signal@melbourne.vic.gov.au or call 03 9658 7808.

For more detail, please see the Access Key External link.

What to expect

  • Getting to SIGNAL: Train - Flinders Street Station. Tram - 58 to stop #1 (Flinders St/Queens Bridge St) or 19, 57, 59 to stop #1 (Flinders Street Railway Station/Elizabeth St) or any Swanston Street tram to stop #13 (Federation Square). For a visual guide, please see the Access Key External link.
  • Please bring: Some food or money for lunch (there will be a long break). There is a water tap, fridge, kettle and microwave that you are welcome to use. If you bring food into the building, we request that it is nut-free.
  • Arriving: The front door will open at 10.45am. A staff member with a lanyard will be in the foyer to greet you and tick you off the door list, as well as show you where the kitchen and bathrooms are. They will then direct you to the workshop space.
  • What to expect: The artist and another staff member will be in the space to greet you. You will be able to take a seat while other participants arrive. The workshop will start when most people have arrived, or at the latest 11.10am. The staff member will then do a general welcome and explain some information specific to the workshop, before introducing the artist. 

Read about Visiting SIGNAL.

our acknowledgement

  • Torres Strait Islander Flag
  • Aboriginal People Flag

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. 

 

We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.

We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.