COP Evaluation

For my essay, I was looking at the defining characteristics of collage and its subversive nature; breaking down if collage is defined by its subversives. I began by doing specific reading into the Dada movement as they were the pioneers for experimental collage. I particularly looked at specific member of the movement, Huelsenbeck who believed the best collage artists were passionate and took inspiration from the horrors of war – yet not all agreed with this. It was also argued by Hausmann, who was looked at for his views and his work, that collages are about creating new and fresh compositions, born from war.

Several other aspects of the practice were studied, its use in surrealism, consumerism and advertising. This gave are far more comprehensive view of the medium and use within different parts of society, all showing links to subversion. I particularly focused on John Stezaker’s view of collage, who was a 1970s artist, that suggested collage was an act of violence, defined by how radical the physical act of tearing apart an image is. This was another interesting indication that collage art is in fact defined by its subversives.

The practical investigation was inspired by this as I wanted to fully test if a collage can be made that isn’t subversive. If these techniques and inspiration from violence can be translated in something created by the authority and not the dissenting groups protesting the authority’s regime. The essay helped outline to me the political tone that the collages should take in order to be authentic and impactful.