After months of thinking about how to develop this project, it finally sees the light. Surely you know publications about the practice of collage. Many of them have overshadowed me in the years that I have been doing this wonderful practice. Thanks to them I have been able to meet many artists who became an inspiration for me. That is precisely one of the strong points of publications: generating something about the reader.
Those who know me know of my predilection for Walter Benjamin. Once again, his reflections come to light. In his text “The author as producer”, a 1934 lecture, he explains his idea of placing all his trust in the revolutionary nature of artistic production. This trust not only resides in the mere artistic act, but requires a democratic and active invitation between the narrator and the reader. The narrative configures, in this case, a call to action.
I don’t want to sound reductionist with this, but if something eclipses me from what happens before my eyes, it is the capacity that can awaken in me in the form of desire. But it does not move under the formula of possession. I am not interested in “conquering” or “colonizing” anything. That, to me, would be terrible nonsense. It happens, on the contrary, that the desire that is established is to make: it motivates me to action. Thus, when I read those publications, the impulse to do an intimate, personal and declaredly affective exercise throbbed within me. Now that has a body and a name: Collage Yourself.
I hope it is clear from what I say above that it is not intended to be a totalitarian collage magazine (nor do I believe it exists). It is, rather, a space where you can meet the artists, not only their work but also a brief interview. Being able to start a dialogue with artists you admire is an invaluable treasure for me, which is why I intend to share it. For now, I have decided to do it physically and virtually. The first is done in the spirit of self-publishing (via Cutting Press Machine) in a small print run. Everything is manual and made with a lot of love (if you are interested you can contact me on Instagram in a DM). The second way is completely free by filling out a simple form that you will find here. Additionally, if you wish, you can subscribe to receive a monthly issue electronically. In short, Collage Yourself is an invitation and a space.
I hope you enjoy it, and please feel free to share!