Joni Smith cuts and twists them to create exquisitely intricate three-dimensional artworks in exhibition that ponders the future of borders and maps.

Norwich Evening News: Bitmap 2017, made up of deconstructed and reassembled data maps. Photo: Joni SmithBitmap 2017, made up of deconstructed and reassembled data maps. Photo: Joni Smith (Image: Joni Smith)

Manipulating fragments of maps and atlases, highly skilful paper and installation artist Joni Smith cuts and twists them to create exquisitely intricate artworks.

Some of the pieces are constructed from hundreds of paper squares. A combination of darts and twists enable the artworks to be reconnected without glue or tape.

Based in Norwich, Joni completed her masters in 'Textile Culture' at Norwich University of Arts. In 2015 she cycled 7,500 km from Norwich to Croatia and back.

Norwich Evening News: Joni Smith's Journey Towards Silence [detail] 2017 using datamaps hand cut and twisted. Photo: Joni SmithJoni Smith's Journey Towards Silence [detail] 2017 using datamaps hand cut and twisted. Photo: Joni Smith (Image: Archant)

'We used a combination of GPS and paper maps to find our way through 14 EU countries; sometimes we had no map at all,' she explains. 'We enjoyed a kind of slow travel, where one landscape would seamlessly merge into another.'

It inspired her and with borders and divisions at the forefront of our thoughts in the current political climate, Joni's work is particularly relevant today.

She also asks her viewers to re-evaluate our positions as we enter a new technological era, where the idea of a 'map' is being reworked, and renovated into portable, downloadable GPS systems which tell us the route we should be navigating.

Norwich Evening News: Untitled 2017 Hand cut circles and watercolour. Photo: Joni SmithUntitled 2017 Hand cut circles and watercolour. Photo: Joni Smith (Image: Archant)

The exhibition includes a site-specific installation, constructed from paper and thread, and a new series of circular 'Colour Studies'. These beautifully executed drawings are based on Joni's three-dimensional cut and twisted works.

• DISlocations is at Fairhurst Gallery, Websdales Court, Bedford Street, Norwich, from October 17 to November 18, Tues-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm, admission free, 01603 614214, fairhurstgallery.co.uk