Close-up of Mauricio Romano's sculptural paper clock blending art and functionality in a minimalistic room.

Mauricio Romano’s Sculptural Paper Clock Redefines Time-Telling Through Artful Design

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Written by John Oliver

2026-09-09

<a href=Mauricio Romano’s corrugated paper clock”>

Most clocks demand attention, with digital displays blinking or analog faces requiring deciphering. Mauricio Romano’s creation, however, invites a gentle interaction. This clock eschews traditional hands and numbers in favor of a pleated disc that resembles a blossoming flower or an unfolding fan. A colored cord extends from its center, and a hidden magnet subtly adjusts the pleats to indicate the time, encouraging you to notice rather than be told.

Pleated paper design of the clock

Side view of the sculptural paper clock mounted on a white wall.

The Art of the Timepiece

Romano first conceptualized this clock over a decade ago while exploring synesthesia. His initial design, the Geometry Clock, used shifting triangles to represent numbers. Now, his matured concept relies on tactile, corrugated paper, transforming the time-telling experience into an interaction with kinetic sculpture rather than a gadget.

Explore other artful designs where enigmatic forces emerge in art exhibitions to see how creativity transforms everyday experiences.

Teal pleated paper close-up

Detail of the clock's intricate paper components illustrating its precise craftsmanship.

The choice of material—corrugated paper, commonly used for boxes—is transformed into elegant folds that resemble lanterns or wind-touched accordions. Colored in shades like deep red, cobalt, and teal, it is equally at home in a gallery or living room, unapologetically decorative yet still functional.

Close-up of blue pleated paper

Wall-mounted paper clock casting soft shadows, emphasizing its three-dimensional form.

This innovative device asks you to engage with it. Instead of glancing for the time, you live with it, occasionally stopping to trace its folds and thus realizing the time. This intentional pause turns timekeeping into an observation, akin to noticing nuances in light.

Close-up of material texture

Clock shown in an art gallery setting, highlighting its artistic appeal.

While this may seem less practical, it’s part of a broader trend where design fuses object and instrument, prioritizing beauty over pure functionality. This unique approach exemplifies that shift, sitting alongside other designs that look like art pieces more than functional items.

This trend resonates with how artists transform light into captivating art, pushing boundaries between function and beauty.

Clock against a plain wall

Close-up of delicate paper folds forming part of the clock's design.

“, shared in various colors without a formal release date. Its potential as a market piece remains unfulfilled, but its appeal lies in its gentle insistence on slowing down—an elegant object in a world of noise.

Artistic clock setup with chair and table

Clock design viewed from an angle, showing complexity and texture of paper layers.

Sources & Links

Source: yankodesign.com

Frequently asked questions

What does Mauricio Romano’s clock look like?

Mauricio Romano’s clock features a pleated disc resembling a blossoming flower or unfolding fan, with a colored cord extending from its center. A hidden magnet adjusts the pleats to indicate the time.

How is time indicated on this clock?

Time is indicated by a hidden magnet that adjusts the pleated disc, encouraging you to notice the changes rather than be directly told the time.

What materials are used in the clock’s design?

The clock is made from corrugated paper, transformed into elegant folds similar to lanterns or wind-touched accordions and is available in colors like deep red, cobalt, and teal.