our story
Paper on Skin™ celebrates the ingenuity and wonder of wearable paper art.
Designers from around the world embrace the challenge of creating catwalk-ready garments made from at least 80% paper.
The first gala event was held at the Burnie Regional Art Gallery in 2012. In 2022, we relocated to Devonport and expanded our program to include new exhibitions, workshops, and film.
Today, the Paper on Skin™ gala and awards evening is one of Australia’s premier wearable art events. Exquisite paper garments are presented in a theatrical performance, complete with an original soundtrack.
This is followed by a six-week exhibition at the Devonport Regional Gallery.
Paper on Skin™ is a biennial event. In 2026, a new collection of extraordinary wearable artworks will be revealed.
We look forward to sharing them with our ever-growing audience — both online and in person on the beautiful North-West Coast of Tasmania.
PAPER ON SKIN 2024
filming
Since 2020, when covid forced the cancellation of our live event, we have filmed the complete suite of Paper on Skin™ works.
The films provide a beautiful record of wearable art as it is meant to be - live and moving on the human form!
Thanks to Nicholas Higgins (cinematographer), and Alluvium for the original soundtrack.
Also our fabulous local models!
PAPER ON SKIN 2026
NEXT GALA EVENT - 3RD OCTOBER 2026
CALL FOR ENTRIES OPENING NOV 2025
STAY TUNED!
PAPER ON SKIN 2024 judges
2026 JUDGES TO BE ANNOUNCED LATE 2025
Katie Somerville
Katie Somerville is the Senior Curator of Fashion and Textiles at the National Gallery of Victoria. She currently manages the research and development of the collection and the ongoing program of publications and exhibitions for the Fashion and Textiles Department.
During her time at the NGV Katie has curated and co-curated numerous exhibitions including, most recently, the extraordinary Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse. (2022).
Photo credit - Eugene Hyland
Pippa Dickson
Pippa Dickson PhD is one of Australia’s strongest advocates for art, craft, and design.
Pippa is currently a consultant, Board Director for the Australia Korea Foundation and Arts Pay Foundation, and was previously Director of Asialink Arts (2019-2023), also Chair of Design Tasmania (2012-2018).
Photo credit - Havard Sagen
Vivienne Breheney
Vivienne Breheney is a highly regarded and awarded Tasmanian artist, best known as a printmaker.
Through her decades of working in the medium, including a 40-year teaching career, Vivienne has experience across all forms of printmaking, giving her a unique understanding of paper.
All photography by Grant Wells Photo
Sally Baldwin, (UK). After the bushfires - Regeneration
Winner of the Major Award $5000, 2024
Darryl Bedford, (UK). Alchemy
Winner of the Mayor of Devonport 'Behind the Curtain' Award $500, 2024
Dior Mahnken, (AUS). Love the Skin You’re In
Winner of the Honourable Roger Jaensch MP Runner-Up Award, $2000, 2024
Kaori Kato, (JPN). Essence of Spring
Winner of the Award in Honour of Pam and Neil Thorne sponsored by Janet De Boer OAM $1000, 2024
Derek Voopostel, (AUS). Summer, (Dress for Janice)
Winner of the Designer Dreaming Award sponsored by Stephanie Reynolds, AUD$1000, 2024
Acknowledgement of Country
Paper on Skin acknowledges that every part of Australia is, always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. We pay our respect to the original owners and custodians of the land where we meet, create and share.