About
Paper Lab Berlin began as an idea rooted in research, experimentation, and the pursuit of self-authentic expression.
Paper Lab Berlin was founded in 2001 by Guy Lougashi and relocated to Berlin in 2012.
It’s a space where paper is continuously challenged as both material and concept. What started as a personal journey of creation has evolved into a laboratory where others can explore and push their creative boundaries, experimenting with paper in its most raw, transformative forms.
At the heart of Paper Lab is the concept of self-topography on paper. For Lougashi, paper is more than just a medium—it is a living entity that holds the traces of our inner world. The act of creating with paper is about documenting and reflecting on the self, rather than producing a finished object. Through this exploration, paper becomes a mirror, a vessel that holds memory, identity, and the complexity of human experience.
At Paper Lab, the focus is on experimenting and forming a dialogue with the material, rather than simply focusing on a final product. Each piece created is an ongoing process of trial, error, and discovery. The repetitive labor—crafting, making, forming, casting—becomes the art itself, a ritual of continuous transformation. Through this labor, participants uncover new ways of thinking and creating, using their hands as tools for both expression and self-discovery.
We believe that every material, technique, and form is an experiment—an invitation to ask new questions and push the limits of what paper can do. Here, experimentation is not just a method, but a mindset—one that values exploration and discovery over perfection.
Paper Lab is not just about teaching techniques; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding of the material and its potential. The focus is on the process of creation, shaping a practice that grows and evolves over time. It’s about understanding how paper can become something else—something that reflects both the world around us and the internal landscapes we inhabit.
Paper Lab Berlin is more than a workshop; it’s a platform for dialogue, research, and personal discovery. It’s a space where artists can engage with their practice, guided by Lougashi’s wealth of knowledge and experience. It is an ongoing experiment in how we shape, understand, and create meaning through the most ubiquitous yet mysterious material: paper.
As Paper Lab grows, it extends beyond the borders of Berlin. We travel the world, collaborating with academies, schools, and art studios, bringing our philosophy of paper to new audiences. Our artist residencies allow participants to fully immerse themselves in the medium, exploring their creative process in a dedicated space. These residencies provide an opportunity for deep exploration and personal growth.
Our online platform extends Paper Lab’s reach globally, offering masterclasses on a wide range of techniques—from foundational practices to advanced casting and mold-making. These sessions allow anyone, anywhere, to engage with our approach, learning through guided instruction and hands-on experience. Alongside our masterclasses, we offer a self-training program, providing artists with access to instructional videos, demonstrations, and other resources to learn at their own pace.
Masterclasses & Workshops
We offer a range of masterclasses and workshops designed to guide participants through the vast possibilities of working with paper. From our foundational courses to our advanced programs, each class invites hands-on exploration and innovation. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, our workshops encourage you to experiment and push your creative boundaries.
Paper Talk
Paper Talk is our monthly live online session where we explore different techniques, ideas, and creative processes. These discussions foster a global community of artists, curators, and creators, all united by their passion for paper.
30 Days on Paper
30 Days on Paper is a self-paced program encouraging daily engagement with paper. Participants receive prompts and exercises to guide their practice, culminating in a personal project that reflects their journey with paper.
Paper Camp
Paper Camp is an immersive residency program held in inspiring locations, offering artists time and space to explore their practice. With guidance and collaboration, participants work independently while developing new ideas and techniques.
Workshop Tours
We bring the Paper Lab philosophy to different parts of the world through our workshop tours. These tours are opportunities to collaborate with artists, share knowledge, and explore new creative territories across the globe.
Paper Lab'ers
Paper Lab'ers is an exclusive membership program offering access to private masterclasses, discounts, and one-on-one consultations with Lougashi. Members also become part of a global community of artists, supporting one another in their creative exploration.
