As art forms, collage and assemblage are most closely associated with the modern era—particularly the early twentieth century. However, as a technique, collage—with its root word coller meaning to stick together or glue—has been practiced for centuries. While both collage and assemblage involve piecing together materials, collage describes two-dimensional compositions while assemblage generally characterizes three-dimensional works.
Often, although not exclusively, collage and assemblage feature found or non-traditional art media. Many modern and contemporary artists even draw attention to their usage of various, often unexpected materials. Rather than disguising the multiple components of collage and assemblage, they explore ways of combining and expanding the information visually to create a unified whole made of bits and pieces of other things. Artists often engage elements that reflect modern life or larger themes—for example, found and recycled materials, or socially or politically charged images.
Focused on the breadth of two- and three-dimensional work in RAM’s collection, this exhibition includes sculpture, collage, jewelry, quilts, and art to wear compiled from or appearing as a variety of individual pieces. In addition to being an exploration of artist process and material exploration, Pieces underscores the ability of some artists to recontextualize the marginalized or overlooked and to imbue the ordinary with something extraordinary.
With an emphasis on repurposed and found materials, this exhibition supports RAM’s Zero Waste Art Initiative, an ongoing and multi-faceted project encouraging reconsideration of consumption habits and creative solutions for reuse. As outlined by RAM’s Education Department, this initiative “is working to establish partnerships with local businesses and manufacturing plants to reduce their waste and keep it out of landfills by turning these materials into educational, eco-art.”
Image: Erman
Jacket, ca. 1995
Found fabric and thread
31 x 42 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Victor Whitman
Photography: Jarvis Lawson
