Practice Art x Art Practice

September Open Studio: Pop Art & Collage

The history of collage art spans centuries and has evolved through various cultural movements and artistic practices. Collage, as an art form, involves assembling different materials, such as paper, photographs, fabric, and found objects, onto a surface to create a new composition. The term “collage” was coined in the early 20th century in the context of Cubism, and originates from the French verb “coller,” which means “to stick”. By the mid 20th century, collage would play a crucial role in shaping the aesthetics and techniques of the pop art movement. Artists like James Rosenquist incorporated popular imagery and consumer culture into their collages, challenging the boundaries between high and low art. Collage continues to be an essential technique in contemporary art, with artists continually pushing the boundaries of materials and concepts.

Drop in to the Target Studio during open museum hours and explore pop art and collage through self directed, hands on art making-activities. Supplies and instructions are provided. Free and open to the public.

A COMMUNAL PAINT-BY-NUMBER inspired by a beloved work in WAM’s collection. Pick up a paint pen and add your colors to this giant canvas homage to The World’s Fair Mural by James Rosenquist.

The Worlds Fair Mural was one of ten paintings created for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City. This painting is large because it was made to go on the outside of the New York State pavilion at the World’s Fair. James Rosenquist included overlapping sections from billboard advertisements in this mural. Each image has its own meaning and the mural has references to consumerism, the space race, technology, patriotism, and Rosenquist’s hometown of Atwater, Minnesota. Rosenquist wanted to show how they combine to create an energized picture of American life. He said, “I’m interested in contemporary vision-the flash of chrome, reflection, rapid association, quick flashes of light. Bing bang! Bing bang!” Bring this amazing painting to life by adding your own colors to the canvas!

GRAB SOME SCISSORS AND GLUE, AND ASSEMBLE YOUR OWN COLLAGE, using found print materials, textiles, and bits and bobs available for your use in the Target Studio.

Take some time to explore James Rosenquist’s Worlds Fair Mural to understand its style and essence. Explore the use of color, the arrangement of images, and how Rosenquist brought together seemingly unrelated elements into a cohesive artwork. Select the magazines, newspapers, and other print materials that catch your eye. Plan out your composition, then cut out shapes, objects, and textures that align with your chosen theme. Combine images, overlap them, shape them as you like, then glue them down to your base. Embellish the assembled bits of imagery with colored pencils and markers to bring it all together. Then, step back and take a moment to observe your collage art. Reflect on the story it tells and the emotions it evokes. Finally, share your final creation with us on instagram by snapping a photo, tagging @weismanart!

Image credit: James Rosenquist, World’s Fair Mural, 1963-64. Oil on hardboard, 240 x 240 in. 1968.8