Sipho Mabona (born 1980) is a Swiss-South African contemporary artist known for his work in the field of origami. He is recognized for bridging the gap between traditional paper folding and fine art, often creating complex, large-scale installations.
Born in Lucerne, Switzerland, Mabona began folding paper at a young age. His professional career gained international momentum in the 2000s as his designs became increasingly intricate. His work is characterized by a commitment to the "pureist" tradition of origami, typically using a single, uncut square of paper to create three-dimensional forms, though his later work frequently explores scale and material beyond traditional paper.
Mabona achieved significant public recognition in 2014 for his project titled "White Elephant." Conducted at the KKLB (Kunst im Depot) in Beromünster, Switzerland, the project involved folding a life-sized elephant from a single sheet of paper measuring 15 by 15 meters (approximately 50 by 50 feet). The installation was funded through a crowdfunding campaign and required the assistance of a team of people to manipulate the massive sheet.
His work has been featured in numerous international exhibitions and galleries. Mabona was the first foreign artist to have a model featured on the cover of the Japan Origami Academic Society (JOAS) convention book. He also appeared in the 2008 Peabody Award-winning documentary Between the Folds, which examines the practitioners and science of modern origami.
Beyond gallery installations, Mabona has collaborated with various commercial brands for advertising and design projects. His portfolio includes a wide range of subjects, from representational animals and insects to abstract geometric structures and social commentary pieces.