What’s the collage?

The collage is a technique that consists in the assembling different types of materials, usually paper or other two.dimensional elements, on a selected surface to create a piece of art. This process may include to use newspaper cuts, photos, piece of fabric or similar materials, mostly combined also with painting techniques.
In the contemporary art scenario, the collage is highly used to explore the combination of contrasting elements and the images, texture and concepts juxtaposition.

Collage’s history

The collage places its roots in the cubist movement, with artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque who, at the beginning of the 20th century, experimented with the inclusion of non-traditional materials in their paintings. Since then, it has become a versatile tool in contemporary art, capable of evoking new visual narratives and manipulating meanings through the assembly of existing images.

Different types of Collage in Contemporary Art

1. Traditional Paper Collage

This type of collage focuses on the exclusive use of paper as the main material. Artists can use newspaper clippings, magazines, decorative papers or coloured cards. This approach allows to create amazing visual effects by layering and combining textures, shapes and colours. The elements are being cut and pasted on a base, creating a final composition that can vary from figurative to abstract.

2. Collage with Painting on Paper

In this type of collage, paper is not only the support, but can also be painted, colored or manipulated before being assembled. Artists often apply pictorial techniques such as watercolor, acrylic or ink on paper and then cut it out and insert it into the collage. This method allows to create a direct interaction between the paint strokes and the texture of the paper, increasing the depth and visual richness of the work.

3. Collage and Decoupage

Decoupage is a technique similar to traditional collage, but it stands out for its more precise and decorative approach. Artists carefully cut out images, often from magazines or books, and paste them onto a surface, often sealing them with a layer of paint or clear glue. In the contemporary practice, decoupage can be used to create complex and detailed surfaces, often with a more delicate and ornamental aesthetic.

4. Textured Collage

This type of collage goes beyond the traditional use of paper, including materials that add a tactile dimension to the work. Elements such as crepe paper, corrugated cardboard or multiple layers of paper create a more dynamic and three-dimensional surface. The added texture invites the viewer not only to look at the work, but also to “feel” it visually, thanks to the presence of unusual reliefs and materials.

5. Digital Collage and Print on Paper

In the contemporary era, digital collage has gained popularity. Artists create collages using graphic software to assembling images digitally. Once completed, the collage can be printed on paper and integrated into more traditional works. This approach combines classical techniques with modern technologies, offering an infinite range of creative possibilities.

Collage as a expression tool in Contemporary Art

The collage is particularly appreciated in contemporary art for its ability to break the traditional rules of painting and sculpture. It allows to layer concepts, mix media and create visual and conceptual contrasts, often reflecting on the fragmentation and complexity of modern society. Many artists use collage as a means to explore political, social and cultural themes, exploiting the evocative nature of the materials and founded images.

In conclusion, collage is a versatile and constantly evolving technique in contemporary art, which offers endless creative possibilities through the use of simple materials such as paper, either alone or combined with painting.

Proposed works with the technique of collage

What does it means “make a Collage”?

Making a collage means creating an art work by assembling different materials, usually pieces of paper, images or other two-dimensional elements, on one surface. The aim is to compose a new image or visual structure by combining various pieces in a very creative way.

How many types of collages exist?

Traditional Collage: uses pieces of paper or images.
Collage with Painting on paper: merges together painted elements and painted paper.
Decoupage: precise cutouts of images pasted and sealed onto a surface.
Textured Collage: incorporates textured materials such as crepe paper or cardboard.
Digital Collage: made with graphic software, then printed on paper.