Kollager

Kollager refers to a form of collage art that specifically utilizes photographs as its primary or sole medium. Unlike traditional collage which may incorporate various materials such as paper, fabric, or found objects, kollage is characterized by its photographic components. This can involve cutting and pasting existing photographs, recontextualizing them through arrangement and juxtaposition, or even incorporating printed digital images. The term itself is a portmanteau of "collage" and "photo," emphasizing its distinct focus.

Artists employing kollage techniques explore themes of memory, identity, narrative, and perception. By combining disparate photographic images, they can create new meanings, challenge established visual conventions, and construct surreal or dreamlike scenes. The process often involves a deliberate selection and arrangement of images to evoke specific emotions or ideas in the viewer. Kollage can range from simple, hand-cut compositions to elaborate digital manipulations. Its roots can be traced to early 20th-century avant-garde movements that experimented with photographic montage and photomontage, and it continues to be a vibrant medium for contemporary artists.