Collage: The Basics

What is a collage? 

In short, it's putting different mediums (i.e. scrap paper, ink, magazine cut-outs) together and making them appear like they all belong. Or, as Merriam-Webster puts it:

Col·lage - A work of art that is made by attaching pieces of different materials (such as paper, cloth, or wood) to a flat surface; a collection of different things

Hannah Hoch, "Cut with the Kitchen Knife through the Beer-Belly of the Weimar Republic" 1919

Where is it from and why should I care?

Although collage is more of a technique, it became a mainstream art movement called Dadaism in 1916. The movement was a reflection of the absurd irrationalities of WWI and a shift to break away from realistic art.

Most importantly, collaging does not aim to make sense. It's a collection of imagery, words and textures that represent emotion - whether for the sake of making art, experimenting or commenting on social events. Anyone can make a collage - no skill is required.

Finding the "FUN" in collage

What's more fun than destroying old books and magazines? Anything and everything can be repurposed for a collage. Scraps, tissue paper, cardboard, photos, found objects, wire, paint, glue, ink - the list goes on and on. Various techniques can prematurely age photos, create paint drips, imitate crumpled textures, produce see-through images, and more. 

The idea is to experiment with items until you find what works and what doesn't. Sure, collages can just be images glued to a surface, but it's the creative effects that make the artwork even more interesting. Just start creating!