Above: a couple of new analog collage works to the archives from James Wimberg.
Artist Statement
As an analog collage artist, my creative journey is a celebration of the tangible and the ephemeral, fusing elements of the mechanical and biomorphic into a harmonious visual symphony. Each hand crafted piece represents an exploration of the relationships between form and design. The juxtaposition of shapes, colors and textures on the page directs the viewer’s eye in a rhythm that creates a visual tension and impact. Typefaces play a significant role in my collage art, adding an aspect of storytelling to each composition. Letters, numbers or single random words intertwine with the images, forming a mysterious dialogue between the written word and visual art.
My source material consists of fashion magazines, vintage editorials, architectural magazines, junk mail and any interesting piece of paper. By blending these elements, my collages remind us of the fragmented, chaotic world in which we live and try to communicate and connect with each other.Â
My artistic inspiration stems from the works of David Carson, Robert Rauschenberg and Robert Heinecken. For me, all of these artists have brilliantly blended images, color, texture and typeface into impactful works of art.Â
Choosing to work with analog collage is a deliberate decision. The tactile nature of physically cutting and assembling paper materials allows me to immerse myself in the creative process deeply. As I hand-select, cut, tear and arrange each element, a symbiotic relationship is formed between the materials themselves, reinforcing the theme of interconnectedness that is central to my artwork. This tangible interaction with the medium also imbues the finished pieces with a unique sense of authenticity and originality. In essence, my analog collage art is an expression of my feelings about the tenuousness and frailty of our ability to connect. It invites viewers to engage in a dialogue about the transformative power of connecting and listening to each other.