A series of collages by three artists will be on display at the Malaspina Art Society exhibition space, in the lobby of Vancouver Island University, from June 7 through July 4.
Laurie Lee, Rita Rasmussen and Lenora Sattmann have joined together to show their work constructed through cutting or tearing images and superimposing them in new settings. The creative process creates new ideas, associations and interpretations in a visual form. New images have emerged that may appear uncomplicated or complex, playful or unsettling.
The works draw on the availability of mass-produced paper and printed images, photos and other materials that expand the artist’s and the audience’s visual vocabulary to explore new options and freedoms.
Collage has its roots in the Surrealism and Dada movements of the early 20th century. Collage and its derivatives became the way to integrate “high” and “low” artwork made by the artist’s hand using materials provided by mass-production.
Pablo Picasso was among the first to integrate collage as an art form during his Cubist period. The technique carried into the Dada movement, when artist Hannah Höch glued bits of photographs from magazines and advertising into such works as Cut with a Kitchen Knife, (1919-20). Contemporary collage is well represented by Los Angeles artist Mark Bradford.
An opening reception takes place from 7 to 9 pm on Thursday June 7 where the artists will be on hand and refreshments available.
For more information, readers can visit the society's website.
