Cut It Out: Papercutting Traditions and Beyond

Papercutting as a creative handcraft has roots in many cultures, including centuries-old examples from China, the Polish tradition of wycinanki, and the Mexican history of papel picado.

Cut It Out: Papercutting Traditions and Beyond featured work by individuals who are compelled by the ideas, processes, and/or traditions of papercutting—some may have learned histories and techniques from family or mentors, while others may have art-oriented degrees or training and have decided to cultivate a love of papercraft in particular. Through large- and small-scale works—single sheet and/or multi-media compositions, silhouettes, wall installations, recurring shadow puppet theater performances utilizing paper silhouettes —contemporary makers expanded upon tradition, adding their voices to rich creative lineages.

This exhibition also incorporated a concentration of historical wycinanki from regional collections. Considered a distinctive folk art, wycinanki represents strong links to Polish culture in this region of the Midwest—extending from Chicago to Milwaukee. First used to decorate homes and things of daily life and similar to other papercutting traditions, wycinanki has been practiced for generations both in Poland and abroad. With regional preferences dictating stylistic differences, traditional motifs include birds, flowers, stars, farm life, and cultural events.

Cut It Out was on display February 18 – July 18, 2026 at the Racine Art Museum. This exhibition was part of @Handwork2026, @CraftInAmerica‘s nationwide semiquincentennial collaboration showcasing the importance of the handmade and celebrating the diversity of craft that defines America.

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