Mixed Media Art is a contemporary art form that uses more than two types of artwork or techniques. Many elements come together to create a unique piece of art. It all flows in the artist's mind and this is why this art is known to be freestyle. This is the beauty of Mixed Media Art. Although this art culture was introduced by revered artists, it continues to evolve and progress and its varied nature is yet to be fully discovered. In the field of art, it stands out as a testament to creativity and the artistic realm. It sets free the boundaries of techniques and processes and innovates a new design that harmonizes into a single framework. Whether you are just a curious seeker or starting to fit into the foundation of artistic hands, this article will help you unveil the mystery of Mixed Media Art. Let’s get into the details.
Mixed-media art is characterized by its unlimited creativity potency and vibrant diversity, which results in interesting visuals. As far as its history is concerned, it is believed to be an invention of the early 20th century pioneered by famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. It was certainly an enlivening art that soon gained recognition among art admirers.
Pablo Picasso’s artwork “Still Life With Chair Caning” (completed in 1912) is one of the earliest notable examples of Mixed Media Art. He used paints, printed oilcloth, and a piece of rope to form a multi-layered composition. It was completely different from what people considered actual art. This brought a shift in the conventional art work and marked the beginning of a revolutionary artistic era. Apart from incorporating abstract art, Mixed Media Art also allows artists to freely experiment with their ideas, thereby pushing the boundaries of ordinary art.
A mixed-media art piece is both visually appealing and full of texture. Each element in this art adds depth to the design and formulates its significance in the eyes of the viewer. The combination of traditional painting and drawing mediums, as well as various materials to create layers and visuals, is not easy to create. There are many common techniques and types of Mixed Media Art, which are explained below:
● Collage – This artwork involves the use of newspaper or magazine cuttings, photographs, or digital prints to make an interesting single art piece. All the elements are arranged in a way that depicts a story unique to every art connoisseur.
● Assemblage – This type of mixed media art is formed by assembling various 3-D elements such as found objects, decoration pieces, fabric, and tissue paper, along with the use of paints and glue. A three-dimensional assemblage usually brings about an emotion in the viewer due to its varied depth and texture.
● Altered Book – An altered book art is the transformation of an existing or old book into a creative work of art by modifying its pages, changing its color palette, or incorporating different objects into it. Various innovative ideas can be made to alter the book – creating a memory flashback store by inserting photographs or featured articles, making it a personal journal by altering its theme, or commenting upon the original subject matter of the book.
● Layering – This is the most common technique in mixed media art. It involves finishing the art in stages by building layers of compositions. Before the artist proceeds to the next layer, he waits for the previous layer to dry up. The most common example is the use of multiple layers of tissue paper or lace to create a more textural canvas that adds depth to the entire art piece.
Apart from Pablo Picasso’s very first mixed media project, innumerable key works have shaped contemporary as well as modern art. Here are some of the famous art pieces that inspired many artists and art connoisseurs to take their artistic skills up the notch by their intuitive abilities and skills.
Hannah Hoch’s Cut With The Kitchen Knife was a complex yet beautiful composition of cut images from newspapers, magazines, and other printed articles. It was a critique of the political turmoil in Germany during the First World War and the dominance of males over females.
Robert Rauschenberg’s Canyon was a unique and innovative artwork which pushed the boundaries of traditional art. He made the use of sculpture, paints, and various objects such as a pillow, metal, wood, and a stuffed bald eagle.
Barbara’s mixed media artwork integrated photographic elements with advertising and held significance in feminist and consumerist movements.
Shadow Boxes is an art which transfers everyone into a dream world where everything seems poetic and mysterious. It is an interesting assemblage of photographs, found objects, and sculpture that brings about nostalgic feelings. This work by Joseph Cornell is one of the most celebrated and historic examples of Mixed Media Art.
Mixed Media is an ever-evolving form of art which brings excitement to the hearts of existing artists as well as those who are on the discovery path. It is accessible to artists at all levels. There is no right or wrong composition, for it allows the artist to experiment with their diverse materials, mediums, themes, and colors. The beauty of Mixed Media Art is that it is truly unique and personal to every individual. The artist only needs to trust the process and learn on the journey of crafting his artwork.
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