Found vintage photos, layered vintage paper scraps,
(1) 3.5 x 3.5 in., (2) 2 x 1.5 in.
Adam Brierley's collages possess a mysteriously nostalgic allure, weaving together elements of the past with abstract flourishes. By merging vintage photographs with bold, opaque overlays, he disrupts our sense of familiarity, prompting reflections on hidden stories and fragmented memories. This dance between concealment and discovery creates a visual tension that's both unsettling and inviting, diving into themes of memory, identity, and the elusive nature of time itself.
Found vintage postcard, layered paper scrap, 3.5 x 5.5 in.
My work is a thoughtful curation of found vintage materials brought together to tell a new narrative. I draw inspiration and highly value the natural aging, discoloration and texture of these old materials that makeup the backbone of my work.
Found vintage photo, layered paper scrap, colored pencil, 4.5 x 3.5 in.
A constant theme in my work is creating a sense of belonging. By connecting lines, imitating textures and censoring details, I aim to make the materials feel like they’ve always been together. I often prefer to leave my pieces without titles, allowing viewers the freedom to connect personally with the artwork based on their own experiences and emotions.
Found vintage photo fragment, antique book page, 5 x 7.5 in.
Found vintage photo, layered photo fragment, 4 x 4 in.
My process is very intuitive - I rarely plan things out. When I am in my studio I always start by sifting through my bins of materials and utilize the pieces that I feel connected to at that moment.
Found vintage photo, charcoal, antique book cover, 8.5 x 6.5 in.
The curation of materials is a big part of my work. I am very selective and only use imagery I feel truly connected to in some way. Mainly a mixture of vintage and antique photos, postcards, book pages, book covers, paper scraps and weathered wood panels.
Found vintage photo pair, layered paper scraps, 5 x 3.5 inches (each)
Adam Brierley is a Long Beach, CA based multimedia artist who repurposes forgotten relics into compelling visual narratives. His artistic process involves a meticulous curation of vintage materials – photographs, books, postcards and magazine scraps – salvaged from the often-overlooked treasures of antique shops and flea markets. Brierley breathes fresh life into the past, crafting intricate and evocative compositions within his work.
Out and About
What to watch, read, and experience, as curated by the Collé team.
▼ READ
Artist In Residence – James Hosking
New interview with Hosking as he starts his month long residency at Latitude Chicago this month.
▼ READ
Untitled Folder by Handshake Books
Untitled Folder explores the relationship between the technological device and the human being. Using archival images, the work deconstructs the personal computer and observes how the object shapes whoever uses it.
▼ LISTEN
A Country Western - Leisure Skills
A Country Western navigates the crossroads of slowcore and shoegaze in Philadelphia. Derek Hengemihle and Garrett Miades, multi-instrumentalists who started making music together in middle school, formed the band in 2018. Joined by Erik Hilbert and Paris Parker, they quickly became essential to writing and recording.