Origami Sculpture Exhibition Opened at ABQ BioPark
The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden has debuted a large-scale collection of metal sculptures modeled after paper origami art.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Fine Art
Live Poll
Do you value local art installations in your community's outdoor public spaces?
The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden recently opened a traveling exhibition featuring 14 outdoor and 4 indoor sculptures created by artists Jennifer and Kevin Box. These metal works draw inspiration from traditional paper origami and will remain on display for public viewing through early 2027.
Why it matters
This exhibition marks a significant milestone for the BioPark as it hosts its first traveling show of this scale. The project brings widely recognized public art to the city, following a decade of international touring that has drawn millions of viewers.
The traveling exhibition has recorded over 3 million visitors since its 2014 debut in Santa Fe. Featured works in the current collection range from a 7-inch mouse sculpture to a 12-foot tall Pegasus weighing 1,350 pounds.
The players
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
This is a municipal botanical garden and educational institution located in Albuquerque that serves as the current venue for the sculpture exhibition.
Jennifer and Kevin Box
These artists are the creators of the origami-inspired metal sculpture series that has toured multiple botanical gardens since 2014.
The details
Artists Jennifer and Kevin Box constructed these pieces using metal to replicate the intricate folds of paper origami. The installation is spread across both indoor and outdoor spaces at the garden, offering visitors a unique perspective on the intersection of industrial materials and delicate paper-craft design.
Timeline
The first traveling exhibition of these sculptures opened at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden in 2014.
The exhibition opened at the ABQ BioPark in October 2026.
The display is scheduled to remain on view through March 28, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This exhibition represents the ongoing trend of botanical gardens integrating large-scale public art to increase visitor engagement. By hosting traveling shows, institutions like the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden move beyond traditional horticultural displays to compete for public interest.
Visitors can view the 18 total sculptures, including the large-scale Pegasus, throughout the garden's operating hours. The inclusion of indoor works ensures that the collection remains accessible even during varying weather conditions.
The takeaway
Large-scale public art installations often transform familiar spaces by contrasting industrial materials with natural landscapes. Residents and visitors can utilize these seasonal installations to experience art in a non-traditional, outdoor environment.
What happens next
The exhibition will conclude its run at the ABQ BioPark on March 28, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on current regional installations, explore our Fine Art coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRQE 13.
Live Poll
Do you value local art installations in your community's outdoor public spaces?
