Mike McQuade's mastery of improvised chance and minimalistic collage is evident in his work. His dark, mysterious compositions captivate with their cryptic narratives, exploring themes of destruction, renewal, and concealment. McQuade's unique approach and unusual imagery make him a powerful force in contemporary collage.
Collage for me is a way of seeing. It forces me to be open to the possibilities in the materials, not the materials as they are intended. This always leads to interesting places with both my personal and commercial works.
I don’t care what the materials or images are, or where they come from, but if I see potential in something, I find a way to incorporate it into my work. I think it’s more important to search for possibilities in everything I come across, than to be tied to a particular subject matter.
I usually try to make something as quick as possible. Sometimes this is a piece that hasn’t been fully realized from the day(s) before, or sometimes it’s a collage that doesn’t really speak to me, but I force myself to make it anyway. This helps me warm up, quiet my mind, and allows me to play with materials until something interesting emerges
Mike McQuade has spent his career making illustrations that call attention to important issues facing our world today for outlets such as the Atlantic, the New Yorker, the Washington Post, New York magazine, and NPR, as well as many globally recognized brands and small start-ups alike. His work has been recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts, American Illustration, the New York Times, Communication Arts, Art Directors Club (YG9), and VICE.
For Your Viewing Pleasure
ROE ETHRIDGE is a postmodernist commercial and art photographer, known for exploring the plastic nature of photography – how pictures can be easily replicated and recombined to create new visual experiences.
ANTHONY ZINONOS' collages, which are ripped, transformed, and infused with a healthy dose of nostalgia, serve as playful commentaries on the ways we navigate our lives. Through fantastical settings and graphic mementos of Americana consumer culture, his witty depictions deliver a powerful message about societal evolution.
Conceptual artist MUNGO THOMSON transforms everyday objects through performances and multimedia works. A University of California MFA graduate, he has exhibited widely since the early 2000s, including at the 2008 Whitney Biennial. His eclectic body of work spans film, sculpture, photography, music, and installation.
JOHN COPELAND is a contemporary artist known for his dynamic and expressive paintings that explore themes of human behavior and social interaction. A graduate of the California College of the Arts, his work often features bold, gestural brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette.
CHRISTIAN HOLSTAD is an American artist renowned for his multimedia works that blend elements of pop culture, politics, and queer identity. A graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, Holstad's art spans drawing, sculpture, installation, and textile, often featuring intricate handcraft and found materials. His work has been exhibited globally, including in prominent venues such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Venice Biennale.
Out and About
What to watch, read, and experience, as curated by the Collé team.
▼ VISIT
Frida Orupabo – All Is Broken In The Night
In her second solo exhibition at Galerie Nordenhake in Berlin, Frida Orupabo presents a new body of large-format prints, collages and sculptures, staged in two spatial room installations. Open until August 3rd, 2024.
▼ READ
Carmen Winant’s Powerful Homage
Assembling over two-thousand photographs of daily life in reproductive health clinics, in an installation at the 2024 Whitney Biennial, Winant centers routine labor as an essential act of care.
▼ LISTEN
Lecx Stacy – Haunted Be Thy
Los Angeles-based experimental producer and recording artist Lecx Stacy has recorded a genre-bending track titled "Haunted Be Thy." This track follows his debut project, Bundok, which deeply explores his Filipino culture and ethnic identity. Artwork by Eddie Mandell.