In the process, the material paper is brought to new life by 82 artists from all over the world. Paper fulfils a multitude of functions in our world: To the casual observer, paper can be a passive, disposable material – something that can be easily discarded after it has fulfilled its limited or temporary function. For the artist, the longevity of paper is crucial, as it determines the lifespan of an artwork. That is why this year at the IAPMA Congress and at Pillnitz Palace the motto is: PAPER ALIVE!

In this exhibition, artworks by 82 contemporary artists from 27 countries around the world show that paper is a living, responsive artistic medium. Thus, it defies expectations and transforms into complex two- or three-dimensional entities, artists' books, jewellery, textiles and fashion or installations, environment and performance – an experience for all the senses.

The contemporary artworks exhibited here are in dialogue with works from the collection of the Museum of Decorative Arts, thus revealing timeless connections and inspirations in relation to the medium of paper.

Exhibition jury: Fides Linien (IAPMA President & Congress Convenor), Ângela Barbour (IAPMA Exhibition Coordinator, Curator), Eva Maria Juras (IAPMA Treasurer), Nicole Donnelly (IAPMA Congress Coordinator) Thomas A. Geisler (Director, Museum of Decorative Arts of SKD), Nora Grunwald (Assistant to Director, Special Exhibitions, Museum of Decorative Arts of SKD), Kerstin Stöver (Custodian, Curator Museum of Decorative Arts of SKD)

The IAPMA Congress is an international event attended by representatives from all over the world. There, IAPMA members have the opportunity to share their own knowledge of papermaking and paper arts through lectures, demonstrations, workshops and panel discussions.

With its financial support of the IAPMA Congress 2023, the congress-related “PAPER ALIVE!” Exhibition and its initiation of Minister Betty Amongi’s visit as Guest of Honour at the function, The Xsabo Foundation aims at furthering cooperation between Uganda, Germany (Saxony) and the wider world community.