Collage is a broad genre, loosely defined as combining 2 or more elements or layers. Because of this generalized take, as a collage artist and curator, I find it’s one of the most versatile and innovative art forms out there. Collage processes are planted into so many works, collectors most likely have collaged works in their stewardship already without really knowing it. Let’s dig in.
Why zero in on Modern Collage? What’s the distinction about that?
For a medium that’s existed since 200 B.C., there’s a lot of ground to cover. Composite photography, which applies collage fundamentals, has been around since the 1880s. There’s even a lot of ground to cover since digital collage came on the scene in the 1980s. It could be argued that collage on the blockchain is the most modern iteration of the medium. And ever since Makersplace opened its doors, artists have been collaging on it.
Modern collage aethetics cast a wide net from vintage styles like George Boya’s “Octonaut” to modern glitch collage like Decryptolorian’s “Rendering”, and even combinations of the two as seen in Onwards’ “One Day This Will All Be Pixels On The Blockchain”, which uses both analog and digital elements.
The act of cutting and pasting different images and materials together often results in surprising juxtapositions and hidden meanings, making it a truly fascinating form of expression. Appropriating existing imagery to kitbash together is a hihgly sought after approach like in Miirror’s “Niftycoaster”, while some even appropriate the identities of other artists as an homage like Marco Santina’s “Chuck Close” and Sam’s “Robness (Traits)”.
Collage processes vary and are just as broad as the genre itself. Ranging from traditional analog elements found in printed media clippings like Naomi’s “Sea Her Rise”, hand cut and hand made elements like in DigitalDoes’ “Day 3 Detailed Vision”, to natively digital collages as in Jaryd Niles-Morris’ “The Venus No. 1”.
The medium allows artists to take a variety of different materials and combine them in unexpected ways, giving a second life to discarded or forgotten imagery, creating something entirely new and exciting as seen in Postwook's "Ancient Portal, 2021". Collage can be both playful and serious, and it offers endless possibilities for artists to experiment with form and content.
Take a gander through your collection, you might be surprised with the amount of collage that’s already caught your eye. Then peek through the curated works in this feature, something new may catch your eye!
Curated for Makersplace to celebrate World Collage Day, May 13th.
