Tag: Still life

Still Life Collage, 1989
Mixed media on paper

Constructing Identity: A Collage in Layers (1989)

This collage, a piece I created back in 1989, is about the construction of identity, the way we build ourselves from fragments of experience, memory, and influence. It’s a process of layering, of adding and subtracting, of revealing and concealing.

The central figure, formed from dark, almost charred-looking materials, represents the core of the self. It’s not a literal portrait, but rather an evocation of the human form. The features are simplified, almost primal, suggesting a universal human experience. The lighter brown shape that crowns the figure, almost like a rough-hewn crown or head covering, adds another layer of complexity. It might suggest societal pressures, inherited traits, or even simply the external world shaping the individual.

The background is where the layering truly comes into play. It’s a mix of textures and materials, each representing different aspects of the environment that shapes us. There are rough, earthy browns suggesting the grounding influence of nature and heritage. The elongated white form on the left could be a building, a symbol of societal structures, or perhaps a natural form like a rock formation—the interpretation is left open. The touches of metallic gold, almost like fragments of memory or fleeting moments of beauty, add a touch of the ethereal.

The process of creating this collage was very much about the act of building, of piecing together fragments to create a whole. I wasn’t working from a pre-conceived image; instead, the piece evolved organically as I added and subtracted materials. The textures, the colors, the way the different elements interact with each other—all of these contribute to the overall narrative.

This collage isn’t meant to offer easy answers. It’s an exploration of the complexities of identity, the interplay between the internal self and the external world. It’s an invitation to the viewer to engage with the piece, to find their own meaning within the layers.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!