Back in the 1860s and 1870s Victorian women experimented with photocollage and created whimsical and fantastical compositions using photographs on hand-painted watercolor backgrounds since photography had not advanced to the stage of providing interesting backdrops for the subjects being photographed. The results were often surreal and funny, and allowed the women in those days to express their individuality and intelligence as well as their artistic skill.
A survey of the photocollage as a distinct art form practiced by the Victorian women can be seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in an Exhibition called "Playing with Pictures: The Art of Victorian Photocollage" that is being held February 2-May 9, 2010. On display are diverse examples of early photocollage that, in some respect, mocked the rigid conventions of the day. Animal heads, for example, were affixed to the bodies of human beings, a comment about the Darwinian theory of evolution. In a note of humor, umbrellas are decorated with faces of family members; fanciful faces appear of playing cards, stamps and decorative objects.
Updating the Art Form of Photocollage
There was a kind of Alice in Wonder whimsy to these off-beat compositions that modern photocollagers may or may not want to emulate. "Anything goes" when it comes to the art of photocollage and that's what makes this so much fun. Even without seeing the exhibit I(It is possible to go online to the MOMA home page to get some idea of what is being shown), anyone interested in making a photocollage can create an unusual and meaningful gift to give to family and friends. All it takes is a bit of creativity and the right materials. And, of course, a little imagination.
Supplies You Will Need in Addition to Photos
- A good pair of sharp scissors
- An acid-free glue stick or photo adhesive
- A poster board cut to whatever size you have decided on
- A picture frame
- Stickers, decorative items such as scrapbook decals
- Magazines
- Glitter
- Black magic marker
- Construction paper
- Watercolors and brushes
Design the Photocollage
Pick out photos, more than you think you will use. For a 18x24 inch collage, select approximately 40 photos. For a 24x36 inch collage, gather 60 photos. The leftovers can be used to fill in spaces. It is fine if the photos overlap.
- Decide on a theme and layout.
- Prioritize your photos.
- Crop photos to size(s). Begin by filling in the center and work outward.
- Create a background.
- Paste/Glue photos to background.
- Fill in the blank spaces or leave them blank for the effect that looks best.
- Add any small decorative items to add interest to the composition.
- Place the photocollage in a frame..
The Victorian women who played with pictures originally made their photocollages for private pleasure and did not intend them to be displayed in public. When creating a photocollage, focus on personalizing the piece. Imagine the pleasure it will give the receiver -- almost as much fun it will to the artist who conceived the idea.
Marsha Temlock - Marsha A. Temlock, M.A. is the author of "Your Child's Divorce -- What to Expect ... What You Can Do" (Impact Publishers, Inc.), a ...
