inviting the concept

Kolaj Fest Part 1

Jun 19, 2024

Thanks to an invite from a fellow collage artist and incredible human being, Kirk Read, I spent most of last week in New Orleans for Kolaj Fest. A five-day event, put on by Kolaj Institute in partnership with Kolaj Magazine, dedicated to the practice of collage as both an art form and a philosophy.

To say it was life-changing would be an understatement.

Ever symposium was captivating. I especially enjoyed listening to Katie Blake, author of What Kind of Collage is This?, and Andrea Burgay, founder of Cut Me Up Magazine, discussing the Concept of Ma. I had the chance to chat with them both throughout the event. They're exceptional artists, beautiful individuals, and so inspiring. I can't say enough good things about them. (you can find them both on Instagram as well - Katie here and Andrea here).

An example of why I can’t be an event photographer, I was so focused on the art I didn’t get Katie in the shot. I didn’t exactly do Andrea any favors here either.

Another standout was a presentation by artist and Professor of Architecture, Clive Knights, on the topic of fragmentation.

Clive is astute, highly intelligent, and poignantly articulate. I was also elated to attend a workshop on rip and tear methods he co-lead with the one and only Janice McDonald.

Janice’s work is unique and enthralling. She utilizes source material in ways I struggle to get my head around. If that weren’t enough, she’s also one of the kindest people you could ever get a chance to encounter. She has been uplifting to connect with both within and outside of Kolaj fest.

I highly recommend you seek out both Clive and Janice on Instagram (Clive here and Janice here).

Above all, what I enjoyed most about Kolaj Fest was meeting and working with an incredible collection of artists.

On the opening night I found myself talking with Stephen Tomasko. Stephen is a photographer and collage artist, and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. A few minutes into our conversation we both realized we were already following each other on Instagram, and it only got better from there.

I had the joy and immense honor of sharing a collaging table with Stephen through most of Kolaj Fest. It was such a privilege to see him work. His compositions are captivating, challenging, intriguing, and if I'm honest, they blow my mind more than a little (check him out here).

Stephen gave me several postcards of his photography work and asked me to collage on them. An impromptu collaboration had formed. The work below is the result:

I produced so much new work during the festival that I can't put it all into a single newsletter. But, I'll continue to share it over the next couple weeks.

Thanks for reading! Take care!

ICAD - Day 17-19

Duane Toops

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