Starting at age six, Robert Lang began his journey into the world of origami. Now aged 65, Lang is recognized globally as a leading figure in origami, with over 800 designs to his name. When asked about his status as an origami star, Lang expressed his accustomed acceptance of the role.
Origami, a Japanese art form over three centuries old, has seen a revival thanks to Lang’s efforts in the 1990s. In 2007, during a visit to his California home, Lang showcased some of his most prized patterns. He transitioned from being a physicist who designed lasers for NASA to a full-time origami artist, fusing mathematics and art to create complex designs.
Robert Lang: “Creating something that seems impossible, then making it possible, is still magical.”
Tragedy struck in early 2025 when the Eaton Fires destroyed Lang’s home and studio in Altadena, California. This loss included hundreds of intricate origami pieces, such as his cherished insects and arthropods. Lang salvaged only one finished work, a cuckoo clock from 1987.
Reflecting on the loss, Lang mentioned, “Everything I had envisioned for the next stage of my life is going to be a completely different plan.” Among the destroyed pieces were his koi designs, which had been displayed in 15 museums over five years. The koi had just returned from Denmark when the fire occurred.
The paper for these koi was handcrafted by Richard Alexander and Michael LaFosse of Origamido Studios in Massachusetts. Their paper-making mastery is akin to Antonio Stradivari’s violin making. Upon learning of Lang’s loss, Alexander and LaFosse were quick to offer their support.
Richard Alexander: “It is a family, so we were very glad to help.”
They used ashes from Lang’s studio to create new paper, incorporating remnants from the same spot where the koi exhibit was stored. Lang began folding a new series of koi at his temporary home in Altadena. “Vertical Pond III” debuted at Descanso Gardens, symbolizing Lang’s resilience and creativity.
Earlier this year, Lang’s folded koi were displayed at Descanso Gardens in an installation titled “Vertical Pond III: From the Ashes.” These koi will continue their display at San Diego’s Mingei International Museum until November.
In his temporary space, Lang and his wife, Diane, find solace and inspiration. Origami teaches patience, and Lang, determined to rise above adversity, continues to rebuild his artistic life piece by piece. Lang remarks, “Origami keeps my mind going, and it tickles a lot of the pleasure centers.”
For more information on Robert J. Lang’s work and exhibitions:
- Robert J. Lang Origami
- Exhibition: “To Catch a Fish,” at Mingei International Museum, San Diego (through Nov. 1)
- Origamido Studios, Haverhill, Mass.
- Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge, Calif.
- Origami USA