When Did Collage Become Modern Art?

Art|Modern Art

When modern art emerged in the late 19th century, it was a reaction against the traditional art that had come before it, as well as a response to new technology and other cultural changes. As time progressed, so did the definition of modern art. One of the most significant movements to come out of this period was collage art, which is still heavily associated with modern art today.

Collage art first came about in 1912 when French artist, Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso began experimenting with combining pieces of paper and other materials to create a new kind of painting. They called this style “collage” because they were literally “gluing” together different elements. This technique quickly spread throughout Europe and North America, soon becoming an established form of artistic expression.

The early works of collage artists often featured everyday items such as newspapers, magazines, fabric scraps, postcards, photographs and bits of text or handwriting. These pieces were then arranged in unexpected ways to create a unique composition.

The subject matter could be anything from abstract shapes to recognizable objects or figures. Some collages even employed a combination of techniques such as painting or drawing to add additional layers to their work.

The development of collage was closely associated with the Dada movement which was active from 1916-1922 in Europe and North America. Dadaists used collage as an act of rebellion against what they saw as an oppressive society and often incorporated random objects into their work for shock value. This helped fuel the popularity and acceptance of collage among both professional and amateur artists alike.

In the decades that followed, more artists began experimenting with new techniques such as photomontage (the combination of multiple photos), assemblages (three-dimensional sculptures made from found objects) and installation art (large-scale pieces that use light, sound or interactivity). These innovations further pushed the boundaries of what could be considered modern art and cemented collages place within it.

Today, collage is still an incredibly popular medium used by both established artists and amateurs alike to create unique works that challenge our perceptions about what constitutes art. It has also become increasingly popular within digital platforms such as Instagram where users can easily combine photos into interesting compositions free from physical constraints or materials costs.

Conclusion: Collage has been an integral part of modern art since its emergence in 1912 when French artists Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso first introduced this revolutionary way for creating works that challenged traditional norms about visual expression.