Paul Rousso Golden Kimono^ For Sale

About this work

Paul Rousso has established himself as one of the most inventive contemporary artists working in three-dimensional paper sculpture, transforming flat, familiar objects into monumental works that challenge our perception of the everyday. His practice occupies a distinctive position at the intersection of pop art, trompe-l'oeil, and sculptural innovation, earning him recognition across major collections and institutions worldwide. *Golden Kimono^* exemplifies Rousso's technical virtuosity and conceptual depth. The work belongs to his ongoing exploration of currency and cultural artifacts, here reimagining a Japanese banknote at dramatically enlarged scale. Hand-sculpted from thermoplastic polyester and finished with acrylic paint, the piece appears authentically crumpled and weathered, as though plucked from a pocket and magnified to heroic proportions. The seven-inch depth creates genuine dimensionality, with folds and creases casting actual shadows that shift with the viewer's movement and ambient light. What distinguishes this 2025 work is Rousso's engagement with the kimono-clad figure depicted on Japanese currency, transforming a symbol of economic exchange into a meditation on cultural identity, tradition, and value—both monetary and aesthetic. The golden palette elevates the subject matter, suggesting preciousness while simultaneously questioning what we collectively agree to treasure. Rousso's market presence has strengthened considerably over the past decade, with collectors drawn to his ability to render the mundane monumental without sacrificing technical precision or intellectual rigor. His works reward extended viewing, revealing new details and prompting fresh interpretations with each encounter. For acquisition inquiries regarding *Golden Kimono^*, please contact Guy Hepner in New York.