Through July 31
The Met
Karli Frigge, born in 1943, stands as a pioneering figure in the art of paper marbling, distinguished by her extraordinary creativity and technical mastery. This exhibition, The Magic of Marbling: The Art of Karli Frigge, showcases a carefully curated selection from the Watson Library’s exceptional collection of her works. Visitors are invited to explore an extensive array of her sample books, recipe books, instructional guides, and workbooks, all highlighting the evolution and innovation of her marbling techniques from 1960 through 2000.
Frigge’s journey began with rigorous training in bookbinding at the Graphic School in Holland and the Rotterdam Academy of Decorative Arts (now the William de Kooning Academy), where she studied under Dieuweke Kollweijn, a leading Dutch bookbinder. Through decades of dedicated work, she has produced numerous limited-edition marbled papers that have become benchmarks in the decorative arts field. Her recent acclaimed publication, Set of Historical Marbled Papers (2023), compiles an exquisite retrospective of her signature marbling patterns—like landscape, tiger eye, and alchemy—crafted between 1974 and 1998, underscoring her enduring influence.
The exhibition is more than a visual feast; it is enriched by Frigge’s own inspiring reflections on the marbling craft, revealing her philosophy and intimate connection with the medium. Adding further depth, biographer Sidney E. Berger contributes insightful commentary, with his comprehensive study Karli Frigge’s Life in Marbling featured prominently, offering visitors a profound understanding of both the artist and her work.
The Watson Library’s collection of Karli Frigge’s marbled papers is integrated within an impressive assemblage documenting the history of papermaking and decorated papers. Enhanced by noteworthy acquisitions between 2016 and the present, including contributions from prominent collectors and contemporary decorated paper artists, this broader context situates Frigge’s artistry within a rich tapestry of craft innovation and preservation.
This thoughtfully presented exhibition at The Met Fifth Avenue’s Thomas J. Watson Library does more than celebrate the visual allure of marbling—it invites a deep appreciation of the meticulous skill and creative spirit required to breathe life into paper. Experience the dynamic swirls, vibrant colors, and mesmerizing patterns that define Karli Frigge’s work, and gain insight into the legacy of one of the most captivating decorative paper artists of our time.
For further details and to enrich your visit, please see the official exhibition page at The Met Museum.
