Since the second half of the 20th century, the rapid change observed in the field of art has led artists to search for different materials in order to express themselves more freely and effectively. In this context, in the process of exploring different materials by going beyond traditional art materials, paper has been adopted as a means of expression in both two and three dimensional artistic productions. The paper material, which was first included in art practice with Picasso and Braque's collages, was evaluated by artists in assemblage and sculpture productions in the following process in order to create three-dimensional forms by developing various techniques. In this process, due to its form, content and application possibilities, paper has become widespread and continues to be the material that is transformed into art objects by many artists today. In our country, many artists use paper as a means of expression in their art by utilising the possibilities of paper, but three-dimensional applications are limited. Saim Gökhan Ercan, who had previously tried many materials in his sculptures, investigated the possibilities of paper material at the beginning of the 2000s and turned towards producing paper sculptures in accordance with his personal understanding of art with the original techniques he developed. The artist, who emphasises the structural and aesthetic potential of the material in his works, has evaluated paper not only as a formal element but also as an experimental tool for expression. The aim of this study is to examine the use of paper as a sculptural material in art practice and the possibilities of artistic expression of this material within the framework of the techniques developed by Saim Gökhan Ercan. As a result, the techniques developed by the artist have expanded the potential of the material in sculpture both formally and conceptually.
Keywords: paper, sculpture, art, paper pulp, collage, assemblage, origami