In the digital age, the original meaning of cut and paste has been replaced with a few clicks of a mouse, This has led to a lot of derivative and unimaginative computer produced work. In response to this, artists have returned to using more traditional methods of making images. There has been a resurgence of drawing and illustration and collage has recently been rediscovered. Collage is the natural progression of illustration, as it combines drawing with the other mediums. It is the fusing of methods that makes for a new language. Increasingly, collage is being used in ads, magazine editorials, fashion spreads, street art, album covers, animation and from the Prada Menswear Spring Summer 09 invitation (Milan) to the editorial of Butt Magazine, from Brahma beer poster campaigns featuring the work of Brazilian artists such as Speto and Giga to posters for the Tate Gallery. The surreal juxtaposition of images provokes thought, humour and understanding, two-dimensional images become three.
A really strong and interesting collection of modern collage art with a bunch of new discoveries for me--Hot damn, Eduardo Recife! Holy heck, Dani Sanchis! Sweet Polaroid action, Andy Ducett! I also like how there are some works that stretch the usual materials and form of collage, like Craig Atkinson's folk art-like mixed media and Tsilli Pines's threaded beauties. And then my favorite, John Stezaker, has a nice spread as well, featuring some of his awesome Shadow series.
Some nice discoveries in this book. I especially liked the work of Anu Tuominen, but there were a number of other artists I also went googling. Of course there was work that didn't appeal to me, and I am getting rather tired of women's bodies, whether they're being worshipped or being made fun of. One artist I was already familiar with is Eduardo Recife, but I felt the selection in this book hardly reflected his fabulousness. Still very nice collection to page through and be inspired by.
I've changed my mind about this book. Some of the photos could be bigger, but there are so many amazing collages, all summarized perfectly. I'd recommend viewing the collages using a bedside light to really appreciate their details and colours.