This practical one-day workshop invites you to learn strategies and experiment with the technique of collage. We will look into the history of collage, draw inspiration from key artworks in Tate’s Collection, and test multiple approaches that you will be able to apply into your own work.
The session will combine short moments of presentation where we will consider the history of collage, looking at historical pieces as well as contemporary ones and briefly become familiar with some of the differences and crossovers between the terms papier collé, collage, photomontage, décollage and assemblage. We will explore and respond to artworks from the collection and develop collages both in the galleries and in the studio.
This session is for people aged 16 and over and is suitable for all levels, including beginners. It would be beneficial if participants have a phone with a camera - this can support documenting the processes of the day. We suggest that you bring along a A3 folder in which to carry your finished collages and any surplus material you might want to take with you to continue exploring the technique after the course.
Introduction (15 mins):
An introduction to Tate and what the workshop entails, including a brief introduction to history of collage.
Warm up (30 mins):
We will produce our first set of cut-outs through an exploration of the Turbine Hall, the Tanks, and Tate Modern’s architecture. This material will inform the first collage of the session once we are back in the studio, where we will combine the work developed out in the gallery with additional material (provided) that reflects on space and the built environment.
In the galleries (45 minutes):
Divided in two sections: firstly, we will explore first-hand selected relevant artworks from the collection, key in the history of collage. This will be followed by an exercise involving the production of material in the galleries, where we will respond to different rooms in the museum by doing in-situ cut outs and temporary collage arrangements. In this exercise we will explore iterations and series.
Tea break (30 mins)
Personal project (45 minutes): Back in the studio participants will be supported to create a third exercise that involves a series of collages / or a large collage, that will incorporate material and skills produced from across the day as well as new material provided by the tutor. For this final piece we will also include the use of typography and text.
As the collages are formed we will consider the relevance of choosing sourced-material, examine possibilities around scale and discuss what it means to produce a series versus one piece only.
Sharing / discussion (15 mins): To close the day we will share the multiple collages developed across the session and exchange thoughts and reflections on the process and results.
Mónica Rivas Velásquez is an artist and researcher (Practice-based PhD, Kingston University, London). Working across media, her practice involves expanded forms of publishing, exhibitions, and performance, incorporating collage, drawing, painting, sound and text. Mónica works as an independent researcher, lecturer and educator with museum and galleries including Tate, exploring the possibilities of contemporary art as a site of pedagogy.
All Tate Modern entrances are step-free. You can enter via the Turbine Hall and into the Natalie Bell Building on Holland Street, or into the Blavatnik Building on Sumner street.
There are lifts to every floor of the Blavatnik and Natalie Bell buildings. Alternatively you can take the stairs.
- Fully accessible toilets are located on every floor on the concourses.
- A quiet room is available to use in the Natalie Bell Building on Level 4.
- Ear defenders can be borrowed from the Ticket desks.
To help plan your visit to Tate Modern, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.
For more information before your visit:
- Email hello@tate.org.uk
- Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 (daily 10.00–17.00)