Diana Beltrán Herrera, an artist based in Bristol, is known for her intricate sculptures of flora and fauna crafted from vibrant paper. In recent years, Herrera has expanded both the scale and subject of her work by integrating new materials such as paperboard, thread, and cardboard, pushing her creations beyond their previous boundaries.
Her recent artistic ventures focus on motifs from nature, including flowers, leaves, and more recently, coral formations. Coral reefs are particularly intriguing for sculptural representation due to their fractal and hyperbolic geometry. Using thread as a structural element is crucial in Herrera’s exploration of various species, allowing her to produce numerous iterations featuring vibrant tentacles and skeletons.
“When working with embroidery, I am particularly interested in how paper can borrow techniques traditionally associated with textiles,” Herrera explains to Colossal. “Thread becomes a way of drawing, connecting, and constructing forms.”
In addition to her personal projects, Herrera also fulfills commissioned works for clients globally. This month, she is sending her initial series of coral research works to the Deutsches Museum in Munich, where they will be featured in an exhibit opening at the end of June. More of her work can be seen on Instagram.
