Cardboard might be an unusual choice for creating art, but for Warren King, it serves as a powerful medium to convey stories of heritage and identity. This Wisconsin-born artist, now residing in New York, crafts life-sized sculptures from corrugated cardboard, connecting deeply with his Chinese-American roots.
The Art of Cardboard
Warren King, originally from Madison and raised in Muskego and Brookfield, prefers to maintain the natural form of cardboard in his works. “It has a grain to it,” King explained to WPR’s “Wisconsin Today.” The direction of the corrugations influences the limited shapes he can utilize, resulting in the unique geometric look of his sculptures.
King’s creations have been displayed globally, with exhibitions in New York, Italy, and Finland. His current exhibit, “Warren King: Homecoming,” is being showcased at the Lynden Sculpture Garden in Milwaukee.
From Engineering to Art
In an interview on “Wisconsin Today,” King shared insights into his transition from a tech-oriented career to the world of art. “I come from a very techie background,” King said, emphasizing his departure from technology in his artistic process. Instead, he relies on photographs, gestures, and expressions to inspire his creations.
A Personal Journey through Art
One of King’s notable works, “The Road Leads Home,” portrays his grandmother’s journey from China to Wisconsin. This piece is part of a series reflecting on the Chinese American experience in the Midwest. It tells the tale of his grandmother’s daring trek during the Chinese Civil War to reunite with her husband, carrying her child and a few gold coins sewn into her clothing.
The Intersection of Art and Parenthood
King also discussed how raising his sons has intertwined with his artistic journey. As both an artist and a parent, he finds inspiration in his children’s uninhibited creativity, which has influenced his approach to art. “Both have been transformational for me,” King reflected, noting the impact of his engineering and scientific background on his methodical yet inspired artistic process.
Through his sculptures, Warren King not only explores themes of identity and heritage but also invites viewers to witness the seamless blend of personal history and artistic expression, all through the unique medium of cardboard.
