Mixed media collage on paper, 24 x 32 in.
Nicole Beno’s collages are known for their inventive use of unconventional materials, ranging from orchid petals and jello to office supplies and even moldy strawberries, which she transforms to emphasize their aesthetic qualities. Through digital manipulation, she distorts, cuts, and collages these elements into a new visual language, blending digital and analog processes—working between the computer and the hand. Her work fosters a nuanced dialogue between nature and technology, challenging traditional perceptions of collage-making.
Mixed media collage on paper, 18 x 24 in.
For me, I love the process of remixing found materials and giving them new meaning and context through the process of collage. I have a huge online archive of found objects, materials, textures, paper cut-outs that I'm constantly adding to. I'm often going back to this collection and re-using and combining materials in new ways. I think what I enjoy the most about this remixing is how I can create new worlds with existing content, and creating this moment for the viewer where the artwork exists somewhere between reality and fiction.
Mixed media collage on paper, 18 x 24 in.
I work between analog and digital processes, often moving between physically collaging materials together in my studio, scanning them, digitally assembling, manipulating in Photoshop, printing, and remixing the artwork all over again. It’s a constant loop of going back and fourth between the computer and the hand until I’m satisfied with the final result, but it’s sometimes hard to know when to stop, and it can go on forever. I try to resist the flatness of the computer, and I’m interested in how I can get the feeling on my hand and body into my digital work.
Mixed media collage on paper, 18 x 24 in.
Mixed media collage on paper, 16 x 20 in.
I’m always collecting objects and materials that catch my eye, whether it’s things I find on the street, garbage, old books and magazines, and textures. I take lot’s of photos when I go on walks and capture details of sites that spark a certain curiosity. it’s usually nothing interesting though, sometimes it’s just the way the paint texture is coming off of a wall, or the colour combination of a faded sign. This all becomes part of my large archive of images, things that get used for future projects (or not) or just to capture a moment in time.
Mixed media collage on paper, 18 x 24 in.
Mixed media collage on paper, 16 x 23.5 in.
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Nicole Beno, a Slovak-Canadian artist and designer, explores the intersection of technology and the natural world through inventive material use, including orchid petals, jello, office supplies, and moldy strawberries. By digitally manipulating these elements, she distorts, cuts, and collages them, creating a unique blend of digital and analog art that seamlessly merges computer techniques with handcrafted aesthetics.
For Your Viewing Pleasure
LISA ROBERTS found her passion in graphic and product design, creating for over 50 manufacturers in the gift and home furnishing markets. Her meticulous cut paper collages of architecture and interiors were reproduced for museum stores and private clients. In 2020, Lisa's work evolved into abstract art, where her love of color and cut paper found new expression.
YANNICK LOWERY is a visual artist with an interdisciplinary practice based in Philadelphia, PA. Inspired by the cultural dynamics of his native New York City and present hometown, his work explores the creations of illustrated proverbs and personal narratives to guide the viewer through introspection and imaginative perpetuation.
NICK DOYLE is keenly aware of the legacy of the American notion of Manifest Destiny. Known best for sculptural wall works made from collaged denim, Doyle infiltrates the vocabulary of Americana to examine greed, excess, and toxic masculinity. Doyle uses the road trip—a pillar of American mythology—as a point of entry to his work in order to question the persistence of Rugged Individualism as the fabric of our national identity.
ALEX DA CORTE is an American conceptual artist who works across a range of different media, including painting, sculpture, installation, performance, and video. His work explores the nuances of contemporary experience by layering inspirations from varied sources, drawing equally from popular culture and art history.
KENSUKE KOIKE [b.1980, Japan] creates unique artwork by manipulating found, vintage, photographic material. Kensuke’s approach revolves around the idea of ‘no more, no less‘ so using only the assets found within an image to create a contemporary visual with a new narrative.
Out and About
What to watch, read, and experience, as curated by the Collé team.
▼ VISIT
Cut Paste Create – The Art of Collage
Bedford Gallery’s annual juried exhibition showcases the versatility and creativity of collage. This exhibition explores the visual interplay of textures, colors, and forms through analog and digital techniques. July 6 – Sept. 15, 2024
▼ WATCH
David Campany – The Crit House
David Campany is a curator, writer, editor, and educator. He teaches at the University of Westminster London and is a Curator at Large for the International Center of Photography, New York. David has worked worldwide with institutions including Tate, Whitechapel Gallery London, and MoMA New York.
▼ LISTEN
Belong – Realistic IX
Belong is an experimental music duo from New Orleans, formed in 2002 by Turk Dietrich and Michael Jones. Their sound blends ambient and shoegaze influences, drawing comparisons to artists like Fennesz and My Bloody Valentine. The duo's distinct style is created by processing guitars and synthesizers through various effects.
