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Paper Artist Unfolds Crossroads of Art & Science

Matthew Shlian worked as a paper engineer and in industrial paper design, and now focuses his energies producing art in paper. From pop-up books to massive metal-framed wall hangings, Shlian's work begins with simple folds on paper that bend light, energy, and materials to reveal startling geometry, symmetry, chirality, and more.

Shlian also teaches paper engineering at the University of Michigan, and as a visiting scholar at the school's Material Science Department, he's applied his techniques to scientific projects. His patterns for solar cell design we replicated in space-grade plastics, and his work has been used in other projects ranging from water filtration to understanding nanostructures.

Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. on Gulf Coast Live, Shlian joins the program to talk about his exhibition, "Telemetry," on display at FGCU's main art gallery starting Friday, Jan. 26 through Mar. 2.

Matthew Smith is a reporter and producer of WGCU’s Gulf Coast Live.