Why collage became revolutionary art, from Japanese calligraphy to Sydney today
In 12th century Japan, artists pasted different papers, fabrics and torn elements alongside their calligraphy.
Collage goes back to 12th century Japan. Artists pasted different papers, fabrics and torn elements alongside calligraphy, wanting to amplify and highlight their writing.
Paper arrived in Europe during the late Middle Ages. Printing grew rapidly after Gutenberg's invention around 1440.
Cheap printed materials became common everywhere. By 1702, the Daily Courant became the world's first daily newspaper.
These materials were now disposable and everywhere. Early 20th century artists saw what they could do with this waste.
Responding to war's chaos, George Braque, Hannah Höch and Pablo Picasso rearranged newspapers and propaganda posters on canvas. They used them to challenge fascism and totalitarian regimes.
Today, Australian artist Deborah Kelly uses collage for activism. Her project C.U.L.T repurposes discarded library materials, books, journals and ephemera into something new and transformative.
- 12th century Japan
- Collage origins
- Around 1440
- Gutenberg's invention date
- Daily Courant, 1702
- First daily newspaper
- French 'coller', to glue or stick together
- Word origin
Why it mattersCollage shows how artists rearrange everyday materials to challenge power systems. They create meaning from what the world throws away.
AustraliaAustralian artists like Deborah Kelly use collage as a form of activism and cultural commentary, connecting to a 900-year history of the form.
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