Yumei Hou \ Chinese Paper Cut Art​

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About the Artwork

Hou Yumei is a celebrated sculptor and master of the ancient Chinese art of paper cutting. Hou has been making paper-cut art since her adolescence in China and has exhibited her work globally. Most recently, Hou was awarded a public art project from San Francisco Arts Commission to feature a large-scale installation of her paper-cut art at the Rose Pak Central Subway Station. Hou’s subject matter and themes presented in her work are inspired by Chinese folklore, legends and mythical creatures, interwoven with her own vivid imagination. Her delicate creations exude a sense of whimsy and wonder, inviting viewers into a world where tradition is interwoven with fantasy. Each piece, meticulously and spontaneously cut without prior sketching or outlining, reveals an extraordinary level of detail, precision and adept command of the hand.

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For this exhibition, Hou presents two remarkable large-scale installations, fabricated in collaboration with artist Mark Baugh-Sasaki. These works incorporate a motorized system that animates the scenes, transforming her ethereal landscapes and legendary beasts into dynamic, living tableaux. The installations celebrate Chinese folklore and explore the fragility of memory and cultural heritage — a reminder that these stories, like the paper itself, are both delicate and enduring.

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About Yumei

Yumei Hou is a sculptor and renowned master of the ancient Chinese art of paper cutting. Hou has dedicated decades to learning, perfecting, and passing on the art of paper cutting in China and the United States. Her talent and dedication was recognized by the San Francisco Arts Commission in 2010, when she was selected to design and install a building-wide artwork for the Chinatown Central Subway. In 2022, Hou was awarded the “Visionary Artist Award” by the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco.