Wed Sep 18 15:23:56 UTC 2024: ## John Stezaker: A Master of Collage and the Unconscious
Renowned artist John Stezaker, known for his mesmerizing collages that electrify old images with disturbing new life, has opened his studio doors to discuss his unique artistic process, his struggles with depression, and the influences that have shaped his work.
Stezaker, whose work has garnered critical acclaim, admits to a constant battle with self-doubt. Despite his successes, he finds solace in the vast collection of pieces he keeps in his studio, which he sees as reassurance of his talent. His work, often described as unsettling, is a result of his fascination with metamorphosis and the blurring of boundaries between the human and animal realms.
His new series, “Spell,” features cut-out silhouettes of vintage female stars placed over natural history illustrations of invertebrates, creating a surreal interplay between glamour and the macabre. He also explores themes of gender and identity, inspired by his early experiences with drag shows and his own uncertainties about self-identification.
While Stezaker embraces the chaotic and often unpredictable nature of his art, he struggles with the emotional toll it takes. Creative spurts are followed by deep periods of depression, during which he seeks refuge in isolation. This ebb and flow of creation and introspection defines his artistic journey.
Stezaker’s work, which often incorporates found images, has been compared to David Hockney, with whom he shares a fascination with collaging. However, he has criticized Hockney for denying any influence from his own early work.
While Stezaker has been criticized for his “vandalism” of vintage prints, he maintains that his process necessitates a degree of destruction, a sacrifice that allows him to reimagine and revitalize the images.
A key aspect of his work lies in his use of film, which he creates by looping still images at a rate that overwhelms the viewer’s senses. Each frame reveals new details, creating a “cinema of the unconscious” that speaks to the depth of his artistic vision.
In the end, Stezaker’s art is a testament to the power of intuition and the beauty of the unexpected. He embraces chance encounters and revels in the transformative power of collage, leaving viewers to grapple with the unsettling and thought-provoking realities he unveils.
**John Stezaker: Spell** is currently on display at The Approach gallery in London until September 28th.
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