Paper Lab’ers
Portfolio
Fragments of thought, mapped on paper.
A living archive of self-topographies in formation.
This space is dedicated to showcasing the evolving body of work created by members of the Paper Lab Berlin community. Each portfolio reflects a unique investigation into self-topography on paper—an ongoing research and experimentation process that combines material inquiry with personal reflection.
Here, our masterclass and workshop participants present fragments of their individual explorations, shaped through repetition, labor, and the tactile language of paper. These works are not simply outcomes but active documents of inquiry—where technique, memory, and material meet.
Through these portfolios, we honor the diversity of voices, methods, and perspectives within the Lab, and the ways in which paper becomes a site for mapping thought, form, and identity.
About
Carie Oltmann
Artist and Graphic Designer | Valencia, Spain
“Beauty can help us confront things we don’t really want to think about, while art helps me to cope with the adversities of life. I aim to create beautiful pieces of art talking about things that move, frighten, or inspire me.”
Carie Oltmann is an artist and graphic designer based in Valencia, Spain, whose work moves with subtle force between beauty and discomfort, clarity and complexity. Her creative process is shaped by an ongoing reflection on how personal and collective experiences define our perception of the world.
Initially drawn to the topic of climate change, Carie’s inquiry expanded into a deeper exploration of the systems that shape reality—how memory, culture, and lived experience inform our values and decisions. This has led her to investigate the interplay between internal landscapes and external narratives, using her art to both question and illuminate.
She works across multiple media, including paper, textiles, photography, and ceramics—each chosen with care to serve the emotional and conceptual needs of the work. Her pieces are marked by thoughtful labor, repetition, and material experimentation, often revealing hidden layers of meaning beneath deceptively delicate surfaces.
As a Paper Lab’er, Carie has brought a distinctive voice to the lab—grounded, observant, and deeply engaged. Her contributions reflect a personal vocabulary of form and thought, developed through patient experimentation and a genuine commitment to the act of making. Each piece she creates is not only visually compelling, but also rich with the quiet rigor of emotional and intellectual inquiry.
30 days - Sleep Diary
Fragments of Memory
About
Iveta Trence
Artist, designer, and Paper Lab’er
Fragments shaped by presence.
Paper casting as a medium of social reflection and emotional precision.
Iveta Trence is an artist and designer whose work opens a deep dialogue around identity, collective behavior, and the shifting values of contemporary society. Her artistic practice merges aesthetics with philosophical inquiry, offering viewers an opportunity to reflect on the evolving nature of relationships and meaning in today’s world.
Iveta’s creative journey began at the age of five, when she started making her own garments using whatever materials she could find. These early gestures not only revealed her intuitive craft but also laid the foundation for a lifelong understanding of how art can mirror and critique social structures. After completing her studies in fashion, she pursued a degree in public relations, which enriched her perspective on human interaction and societal dynamics. This background became integral to her artistic philosophy—where materials are not only shaped but are also agents of social commentary.
Her work often incorporates recycled materials, reflecting her deep respect for the environment and her commitment to sustainability. For Iveta, this is more than an aesthetic choice—it’s a statement of values. She believes that art should exist in dialogue with the world it inhabits, fostering more conscious, lasting relationships between people and the natural world.
Through sculptural installations and material-based works, Iveta explores how identity is formed within the flux of collective behavior. Her pieces serve as subtle provocations—urging the viewer to reconsider their own roles and relationships in a changing society. Authenticity, ethical awareness, and emotional precision run throughout her work, mirroring her belief in the transformative potential of art.
Iveta joined our masterclasses with exceptional focus and a quiet but determined drive. Her research into mold making and casting from paper demonstrated a rare blend of patience, depth, and material intelligence. She approached the techniques not only with great curiosity but also with a profound emotional investment—so moved by the content that she simply couldn’t stop creating. Her hands worked with care, and her outcomes spoke for themselves.
