World-renowned origami artist brings iconic music artists to life

Some music lovers keep gig tickets for sentimental reasons, others let them rot in their wallets without a second thought. But a new exhibition showcases an entirely different use of these tickets; artwork. Origami sculptures of One Direction, Lady Gaga, Mick Jagger and Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine have been brought to life as part of ‘Let the Ticket Live’ exhibition.

Commissioned by StubHub, the creations have been painstakingly sculpted by Origami Master Mark Bolitho.  Mark spent hundreds of hours using thousands of ticket reproductions to pay homage to some of the biggest music acts across the globe.

One Direction, featured in their trademark matching suits, represent the most searched for music act on StubHub.co.uk in 2012. Goth rocker Marilyn Manson, who is touring the UK this week, also appears complete with distinctive black lips and heavy overcoat, while the Spice Girls have been lovingly recreated to celebrate this week’s Viva Forever launch. 

Mark Bolitho was enlisted to create the most popular acts on the site using concert tickets after a recent study revealed that 72% of fans keep used tickets for sentimental reasons.

The Japanese art of paper folding dates back to the 17th century, but it has come a long way since the days of simple cranes.   Modern day origami artists can pull off some truly spectacular folding feats, such as those seen at ‘Let the Ticket Live’ exhibition.

The ‘Let the Ticket Live’ exhibition is free for the public to view at StubHub’s Great Portland Street ticket shop in London.

Composed of the Japanese words oru (to fold) and kami (paper), origami has a rich and complex history that spans culture, class and geography. 

Origami has evolved to incorporate advanced mathematical theories.