OPTICAL WANDERS [2019]

Photographic Reconstructions

This series of work develops the principles of collage, from traditional methods where cut-outs are applied together with a visible meeting point or overlap, to instead become a single image with seamless joins between each cut-out. The intention is thereby to recreate a single photographic image or Photographic Reconstruction.

From a collection of old books, and several hours spent cutting out individual fragments, creating files, folders and drawers filled until their moment of assemblage. Each artwork requires hundreds of cut-outs or fragments with only a small percentage of these used in each final image.

Each Optical Wonder is created in dry, placing cut-outs like a jigsaw puzzle into position. The quality of differing print colours creates a palette of printed tints and hues. While the mix of papers provides a tactile and sensual quality that lifts the original printed image.

The finished outcome, is the conclusion that lays to rest the collection.