OPTICAL WANDERS

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.


Exhibition View, Third Tones, Paris, June 2023.
Photos by Julie Ansiau

Square Photographic Meter / Black and White #03. 100 X 100 CM