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Hello world! I am Melanie (AiMEiRi) Wong, an origami mixed media visual artist based in New Jersey. My work is deeply influenced by geometric puzzles, which serve as the foundation for my intricate and expressive paper sculptures. As a contemporary sculpture artist, I view each fold as more than just a technique—it’s a building block of a larger, cohesive narrative. Much like how Legos come together to form complex structures, my visual art is composed of meticulously folded pieces that interlock and interact, creating visually dynamic forms.
The process is like solving a puzzle—each fold, each angle carefully considered, resulting in paper sculptures that are simultaneously structured and fluid. This geometric approach mirrors the intricate personalities that inspire my work: those who are often seen as “puzzling” or unconventional, but whose complexity is what makes them truly unique. My art captures this essence, creating something that speaks to those who see the beauty in the abstract, the puzzling, and the unpredictable. Through paperfolding, I aim to reflect the layers of emotion and identity that shape our inner worlds, bringing them into a tangible form.
As a contemporary sculpture artist, my art pieces go beyond the traditional perception of paper folding, delving into the complexity of personal identity and emotional resilience. Each piece tells an abstract story, encapsulating the journey of a puzzling “problem” child who, despite adversity, emerges with a strong sense of self. The intricacies of my work reflect how key aspects of one’s personality remain intact, evolving and growing through the trials of childhood pain.
These paper sculptures are not just decorative; they represent both struggle and triumph, serving as powerful symbols of the resilience required to navigate difficult experiences. For those who collect my art, it’s more than just acquiring a piece—it’s about holding onto the memories and essence of peculiar “problem” children who find comfort in solitude, embracing their individuality without the need for external validation. In this way, my paper sculptures offer a deeper, personal connection, blending form, memory, and emotional depth into contemporary art.
“AiMEiRi” (eye-may-ree) is derived from my Chinese name. “Mei mei” is Chinese for “little sister.” My brother, my close friends, and even my parents refer to me as “mei mei” even today. Now that I’m older, I don’t think “mei mei” is an appropriate name for me, especially in business.
I am AiMEiRi, a person who loves ambiguously due to my enigmatic nature in social situations.
As a Center School alumnus, The Center School significantly helped me re-integrate into society. My experience and relationship to the school and it’s alumni holds a special place in my heart. To give back to those who gave to me, I pledge to donate 10% of proceeds to The Center School Foundation so they can continue to make a positive impact to special needs children and their families.
In 2012, The Center School suffered a fire and had to relocate from it’s more traditional education building in Highland Park to an office building in Franklin Park. Although the new building was easier to maintain, it lacks a gymnasium, the heart of any K-12 school. Please consider donating directly to the The Center School Foundation to support their capital campaign for the most essential physical spaces for any school.
2024