Masters of Assemblage: Transforming the Discarded into Art

The Transformative Power of Assemblage Art

Assemblage art is a creative process that turns the three-dimensional cast-offs of everyday life into compelling works of art. Unlike traditional collage which deals with two-dimensional materials, assemblage art invites objects into a three-dimensional space, creating a new context and narrative for items that were once considered waste or devoid of value.

Pioneering Assemblage Artists

Kurt Schwitters: A trailblazer in the assemblage art form, Schwitters began his artistic journey in Germany at the turn of the 20th century, later moving to Norway and England. His works are characterized by the use of everyday found objects, from paint can lids to playing cards, which he combined with his painterly skills to create artworks that reverberate with color and form. Schwitters was a formalist, employing objects as one would use a stroke of paint, always with an eye for the visual dance of shapes and hues within his compositions.

George Herms: Emerging from the Los Angeles art scene in the late 1950s and early '60s, Herms is known as the 'poet of garbage,' crafting assemblages that elevate the discarded to the status of visual poetry. His pieces, often made from burnt or deteriorated materials, demonstrate an acute sensitivity to composition, color, and balance. Herms often incorporated the letters L-O-V-E into his assemblages, adding a layer of universal sentiment to his work.

Betty Saar: Active since the '60s, Saar's work has been pivotal in making radical statements in support of the Civil Rights Movement. Her piece 'The Liberation of Aunt Jemima' is one of her most famous works, blending racial iconography with assemblage to make powerful social commentary. Over time, her style evolved to incorporate a subtler use of materials, moving towards a more mystical and mysterious approach.

Joseph Cornell: Cornell's shadow boxes are enigmatic capsules of a secret language. His iconic style creates fascinating worlds filled with meticulously arranged objects, maps, and collages that invite viewers into a magical, though often indecipherable, narrative.

The Assemblage Process

Assemblage artists select and combine objects with careful consideration of their inherent aesthetic and historical qualities. They may use items such as rotting wood, rusted cans, or worn-down paper, positioning and juxtaposing them to create a new visual and conceptual harmony. The practice often involves painting, layering, and arranging objects in boxes or on other foundational structures, such as washboards or toolboxes, as seen in the works of Saar and Herms.

Assemblage and Social Commentary

Many assemblage artists weave social commentary into their works. Saar, for instance, uses the medium to address issues of racism and civil rights. Her works often incorporate symbols of servitude and prejudice, repurposing them to create powerful narratives that weigh heavily on the viewer's conscience.

Assemblage as a Reflection of the Times

The evolution of assemblage art has mirrored the societal and cultural shifts of the times. It has been a medium for artists to respond to and critique contemporary issues, from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s to the ongoing dialogue about gun control, as illustrated by the work of one of the students mentioned in the presentation.

Conclusion

Assemblage art is a testament to the power of transformation, where the forgotten and overlooked are given new life and meaning. Artists like Schwitters, Herms, Saar, and Cornell, among others, have demonstrated that beauty and significance can be found in the most unexpected places, providing us with a unique lens through which to view our world.

For a deeper exploration of these assemblage artists and their work, watch the full presentation here.