The Art of Collage

Whereas painting follows a relatively strict idea of paint being applied to a surface, the art of collage takes the concept that the surface and materials that can be applied are not only limited to paint and a canvas. A collage often incorporates many different textures, including found objects and other items that are not normally considered to be artistic material. The etymology of the word collage actually comes from the French word for glue and indicates an adhesion of different materials. Collage has evolved greatly over the years and is still a common exercise or technique, both for artists and for hobbyists that use it in the construction of photo albums and other memorabilia.

Despite common belief, the art of collage has actually been practiced for many years. The earliest known pieces of collage come from the second century BC in China. This coincides with the invention of paper in the country, meaning that collage came about as a natural expression of art once the right medium and materials were available. Introduction of collage in Europe did not happen until the 13th century AD and were commonly used in religious works, such as the inclusion of gems on a religious icon painting.

The main period of collage being considered a fine art came in the beginning of the twentieth century as one of the more common mediums of the modernist movement. At this time, famous painters, such as Pablo Picasso, included various items like sewn patches or newspaper clippings into their works. As the style became more popular, different subgenres of collage began to appear. Decoupage was one of the favorites, which happens when an artist simply glues layers on top of each other to form a work of art. The actual layers can simply be cut paper, magazine pictures, or any different flat material.