What is assemblage?

Assemblage is an art movement where artists create three-dimensional artworks by combining various found objects or materials. This technique involves using non-art objects, such as junk, scraps, and debris, to create sculptures or installations. The concept of assemblage commenced in the early 20th century, particularly in the Surrealist movement. However, it really took off in the 1950s and 1960s with artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Marcel Duchamp.

Assemblage is often perceived as a form of recycling, by using found materials and reassigning them with new meaning, it symbolizes the character of this art movement. The process is about finding a new use for everyday objects in order to create something that is completely different from the original objects.

Assemblage can be categorized into two types, additive and subtractive. Additive assemblage involves constructing an artwork using different pieces of materials and joining them together to form a whole. On the other hand, subtractive assemblage involves cutting or altering material to create an artwork.

The use of assemblage in contemporary art is widely seen in sculpture, installation, and mixed media art. It has become a popular technique among artists, as it encourages them to think outside of traditional art materials, challenging them to create something unique and thought-provoking.