Collage (Synthetic Cubism)

Plate 6A H. Matisse	6B Kurt Schwitters, 1919	6CHannah Höch, 1919	6D Rajput Miniature, 16th C
(Read more Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collage ; December 18, 2012)

The term collage derives from French "coller" meaning ‘glue’. This term was coined by both Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso in the beginning of the 20th century when collage became a distinctive part of Modern Art. The synthesis of more than one material created a new thinking process. Assembling layers of material one a surface created visual stimulations and wider visual perspective. Perhaps this is the beginning of introduction of mass produced material such as- news paper, card-board, wood, etc. It gives new way of looking- denatured mass produced material may be baptized as art. The mass produced material has earned its aesthetic appeal like other conventional art works. Design profession must recognize that the inspiration and creativity of collage laid down the foundation for the mass produced product’s recognition as work of art. Henri Matisse’s collage (plate 6A) shows flat surface treatment can produce the desired depth of field in term of line and form. The freshness of solid color on a solid background creates dimension. Indian Traditional art of Rajput Miniature paintings (plate 6D) has similar three dimensional effects on flat surface. On the other hand Kurt and Hannah (plate 6B & 6C) use multiple colors and textured to create different complex dimensions. The effects of pasted material certainly became quite exciting and challenging followed by use of wood, fabric and other mass produced manufactured materials. Use of printed texts massages or alphabets became quite popular.