In the evolving landscape of decorative arts, the traditional “framed artwork” is no longer the sole protagonist of modern interior aesthetics. At Tengya Art, we introduced the concept of Art Core (Unframe) — a product philosophy and design style that breaks free from the confines of conventional picture frames and redefines how contemporary paper-based art interacts with space.

Art Core (Unframe) is more than a stylistic approach — it is a material, emotional, and spatial reimagination. Built upon centuries-old bark paper craftsmanship fused with modern design logic, these works serve as both wall décor and living art, resonating with tactile elegance, ecological awareness, and sculptural depth.

This article introduces the main categories of Art Core (Unframe), and how they speak to materiality, texture, cultural roots, and spatial storytelling. We also explore how this collection fits into a broader ecosystem of interior design and collectible art.

What Is “Art Core (Unframe)”?

“Art Core” refers to the essence or soul of a piece of wall art, emphasizing the material, texture, and visual language of the work itself rather than the frame that contains it.

“Unframe” is a literal and conceptual rejection of borders — the idea that artwork should not be confined by wooden rectangles, but should integrate with the wall, project shadows, float freely, or remain modular.

At Tengya, Art Core (Unframe) typically features:

• Handmade bark paper (broussonetia papyrifera)
• Natural fiber textures and neutral palettes
• Mixed media layering (cutting, stitching, sculpting)
• 3D relief and shadow interaction
• Modular or floating formats
• Minimal to zero visible framing

1. Textural Collage Series

Keywords: Layering · Raw edges · Minimalist volume

This series emphasizes hand-cut, irregular lines, stacked or woven in layered compositions. Using torn or trimmed bark paper in varying translucency, it delivers light-shadow contrasts that shift throughout the day.

• Ideal for: Scandinavian, Japanese wabi-sabi, and contemporary art-inspired interiors
• Common formats: Square/rectangle wall boards with floating-mount backing
• Decor style compatibility: Minimalist, Nordic, Zen

2. Organic Flow Series

Keywords: Fluidity · Movement · Botanical reference

Inspired by water, roots, and wind, this style uses twisting, curving, and extended paper forms that may stretch beyond a single panel. Often, it’s displayed in a floating arrangement or modular installation.

• Ideal for: Lobby statement walls, spa spaces, curved architecture
• Materials used: Bark paper, linen pulp, and sometimes dyed edges
• Visual appeal: Evokes motion; often compared to contemporary calligraphy or underwater flora

3. Geometric Minimal Series

Keywords: Symmetry · Mathematical balance · Spatial tension

Where flow and fiber meet architecture — this group focuses on squares, grids, triangles, and lines, often with subtle color blocking (off-white, taupe, grey). Every piece appears balanced but is handcrafted to introduce slight imperfections as visual rhythm.

• Aesthetic position: Somewhere between Bauhaus restraint and handmade warmth
• Application: Residential accent walls, gallery-style installations, design hotels
• Frame use: Most have no frame, or back-mounted insets for clean installation

4. Shadow Relief Series

Keywords: Light interplay · Elevation · Shadow design

This is the most sculptural category in the Art Core (Unframe) family. It integrates depth and suspended layers — when light hits, the artwork casts moving shadows that extend the visual field beyond its physical body.

• Viewer experience: Changes with lighting — from ambient daylight to spotlight
• Best settings: Galleries, double-height walls, spaces with directional light
• Mounting: Often box-mounted or mounted with 2–4 cm of space from the wall to optimize light-play

5. Narrative Series (Limited Editions)

Keywords: Conceptual · Story-driven · Artisan signatures

These pieces combine bark paper with handwritten calligraphy, fiber stitching, embedded botanical elements, or even symbolic tearing. Many are made in limited series, often based on nature poems, philosophical reflections, or custom commissions.

• Market position: Art collector segment, high-end interior design
• Certificates: Numbered editions, some with artist notes
• Design insight: More than décor — these are slow art experiences with layers of meaning

Art Core as an Ecological Statement

One of the core values of Art Core (Unframe) is material transparency and environmental consciousness:

• Bark paper is made from the renewable broussonetia papyrifera, harvested under the “Two Cuts in Three Years” method — no full deforestation.
• No chemical additives are used — only lime soaking and natural drying.
• Wastewater is fully biodegradable.
• Artworks are lightweight, reducing carbon footprint in shipping and installation.
• Fully handmade, supporting rural artisan communities in Guangxi.

How Art Core (Unframe) Fits into Interior Trends

Conclusion: A Frame-Free Future

Art Core (Unframe) is not just a product line — it is our language at Tengya. A language spoken through torn edges, fibrous textures, layered light, and living walls. It connects the ancient with the contemporary, the quiet with the expressive. As trends shift towards authenticity, sustainability, and material truth, we believe Art Core (Unframe) is a timeless conversation worth continuing — frame by frame, or better yet, without one at all.