Collage Saves the World

We are living in an explosively political time, faced with crises that are not only deepening individually, but becoming increasingly intersectional in relation to each other. There is a strong history of collage art being used to tackle complex socio-political issues during some of the most difficult eras, but how can it meet this moment and spark meaningful dialogues about our varied, contemporary issues?

In November 2022, G. E. Vogt led twelve artists in a month-long virtual residency with the goal of creating work that examines complex socio-political issues that contemporary society is contending with, in order to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire deeper engagement. During the month-long residency at Kolaj Institute, artists discussed the history of political collage and important political collage artists, explored how to curate and exhibit this crucial art form, and, most importantly, challenged themselves to push their own artistic practice further in the creation of political collage.

Each artist chose specific issues to explore through the medium of collage. Their artwork allows viewers an opportunity to reflect on various forms of racism, colorism, ableism, and sexism; the war in Ukraine; climate change and the importance of permaculture; beauty standards and women’s autonomy. Their work makes its way into the world in this book and as a traveling exhibition.

Collage Saves the World is the second book from Kolaj Institute's Politics in Collage Project, a series of residencies, publications, discussions, and exhibitions examining complex socio-political issues that contemporary society is contending with, in order to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire deeper engagement.

Contributors: Amanda Lynch (Castle Cary, Somerset, England); Anna Sellen (Aberaeron, Ceredigion, Wales); Ava Werner (Los Osos, California, USA); Diego Bexar (Missoula, Montana, USA); Ginger Sisco-Cook (Paris, Texas, USA);
Karina Walter (Charlotte, North Carolina, USA); Kim Rae Taylor (West Palm Beach, Florida, USA); KVSS Varshini (Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India); LaVonna Varnado-Brown (Kenner, Louisiana, USA); Liz LaGarde (Frederick, Maryland, USA); Rachel Thomas (Southfield, Michigan, USA); Teresa HR Lane (Matauri Bay, Kaeo, New Zealand)

ABOUT THE PROJECT

In 2022, Kolaj Institute published Politics in Collage. You can bundle your purchase of Collage Saves the World with Politics in Collage for $38.00.

INTERNATIONAL: Go HERE for US Dollar pricing.

DETAILS: 32 pages | 7"x5" | perfect bound booklet | ISBN 978-1-927587-68-3 | 2023 | Published by Kolaj Institute & Kasini House