UCLA student Sohum Bhargava’s origami exhibition at the Cerritos Public Library aims to raise awareness about kidney health through art and education during Kidney Awareness Month.
CERRITOS, CA – Visitors to the Cerritos Public Library this month are experiencing a unique fusion of art, science, and public health. The exhibition, titled “Fold for Life,” features an array of paper cranes, geometric structures, and intricate folded forms, creating a space that serves as both gallery and classroom. Curated by UCLA student Sohum Bhargava, the exhibit runs through March 31 in honor of Kidney Awareness Month.
Bhargava’s exhibition explores a fascinating concept: the process of folding paper can reflect how organs develop within the human body. His inspiration stemmed from learning that three sets of kidneys form during early human development, with the first two existing only briefly before the final, permanent kidneys take shape.
While practicing origami, Bhargava recognized a compelling parallel. The creation of a finished origami model involves numerous folds that are crucial to its structure yet become invisible once the piece is complete. Similarly, the early stages of kidney development are hidden but essential in shaping the final organ.
This connection prompted Bhargava to ponder a broader question: if folding is integral to both art and biology, could origami provide a novel perspective for scientists studying organ formation? Researchers are already cultivating miniature kidney organoids from stem cells in laboratories. Bhargava believes that understanding the mechanics of folding in nature could enhance scientific approaches to organ development and potentially address the ongoing shortage of kidneys available for transplant.
However, the exhibition transcends mere scientific inquiry. Bhargava aims to foster discussions about a disease that often remains concealed until it reaches advanced stages. Kidney disease affects over 37 million Americans and is frequently characterized as a silent condition, with symptoms typically surfacing only after significant progression.
“Many people feel uncomfortable discussing disease,” Bhargava notes through the exhibition’s messaging. By presenting information through art, he hopes to create an environment where visitors feel more inclined to learn about kidney health and engage in conversations with family members.
One of the exhibition’s most impactful pieces is a large modular origami installation, collaboratively created with patients and caregivers from the Connie Frank Kidney Transplant Center at UCLA. Participants folded individual units, which Bhargava later assembled into a cohesive sculpture. This finished piece symbolizes the shared journey of illness, recovery, and support that characterizes organ transplantation.
In addition to the collaborative work, the exhibit showcases several single-sheet origami pieces that highlight the complexity and beauty achievable with simple materials. Accompanying the artwork are educational posters that detail the stages of kidney disease, early warning signs, and the medical tests used for detection.
The exhibition also features a wearable art piece: a scarf designed by Bhargava and hand-embroidered by artisans in India. The fabric incorporates subtle kidney motifs woven into a floral pattern, merging cultural craftsmanship with the exhibition’s health message.
Throughout the display, visitors will encounter accessible explanations of kidney structure and function, the stages of kidney disease, and the most common risk factors. Diabetes and hypertension, both increasingly prevalent among Indian Americans and other communities, remain leading causes of kidney failure. Medical professionals emphasize that two relatively simple tests can often detect kidney issues early, potentially preventing the need for dialysis if intervention occurs promptly.
Bhargava, who serves on the board of the Bruin Beans Health Club at UCLA, has organized a kidney health awareness exhibit at the Cerritos library for the past five years. Each March, the display aims to make medical education engaging for visitors of all ages.
The exhibit has garnered attention from community leaders and elected officials, with many already visiting and others planning to do so.
Ultimately, “Fold for Life” invites visitors to view both art and health through a new lens. Through the medium of folded paper, collaborative storytelling, and accessible information, Bhargava aspires to inspire conversations that could lead to a simple yet powerful outcome: earlier testing, increased awareness, and healthier lives.
According to India-West.