A Combination Used to Create an End Result -
Pablo Picasso "Bottle of Vieux Marc", Glass, Guitar and Newspaper 1913
The TATE Galley defines Mixed Media as a term used to describe artworks composed from a combination of different media or materials.
For me Mixed Media is a means to an end; "Whatever it takes to get the job done". I use what I have to obtain the best results I can. Spray paint, acrylics, paint pens, markers and more.
Johnny Blanco uses acrylic, spray paint and paint pens to create artworks
"I use what I have to obtain the best results I can".
- Johnny Blanco
The use of mixed media began around 1912 with the cubist collages and constructions of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, and has become widespread as artists developed increasingly open attitudes to the media of art. Essentially art can be made of anything or any combination of things.
Robert Rauschenberg "Untitled" 1963 uses oil paint and silkscreen inks on canvas
Types of Mixed Media Art
Artists are constantly innovating and experimenting, to create original, bold works of art. Let us look at the common ways used to create Mixed Media art, combining different methods and mediums.
Sculpture: Many times, a sculpture is created by using different materials; hence, it can be categorized under mixed media art. The materials used in making a mixed media sculpture can be wood, wire, glass, metal, found objects, etc. A creative artist chooses a base material and then add additional materials like paint to the sculpture to make it interesting and create elements of pattern, shape or color.
Collage: When a base like wood, paper, stone, or any object is attached to any other medium like paper or fabric, it can be termed a collage. A Collage gives the impression that is not a planned or controlled work of art. The base can be a blank canvas, pieces of flat wood, paper, cardboard or found objects; so you can make your own mixed media collages with just about anything you can think of. There are endless possibilities and an artist can create a two-dimensional piece by gluing varied materials such as magazines and newspaper clippings, ribbons, paints, ink, paper, fabric, other artworks like photographs, etc. to the base, and then drawing or adding paint. The origins of Collage goes back hundreds of years but it came into prominence only in the early 20th century.
Assemblage: An Assemblage is similar to collage, but it has three-dimensional elements, that are combined to create a piece of art that tells a story. Found objects, both man-made and natural are typically used in assemblages. Metal pieces, hardware, wooden blocks, cardboard boxes make for sturdy bases for assemblage art. Lightweight objects, to name a few are beads, buttons, wires, plastic bottles, game pieces, toys, and everyday objects. Some assemblages are hung on the wall like a painting, while others are created as sculptures.
Altered Books: A book in this mixed media art is taken as a base to create art. It can be transformed into a collage, painting, tearing, etc. so that the book has a new function or to make it more attractive. If the literature of the book is used, it can also be referred to, as part of multimedia art.
Wet and Dry Media: Mixing drawing with painting is a common technique used in mixed media art. An artist should be aware of the effect the art produces. Charcoal drawing mixed with oil-based paints is an inventive way to make it stand out. Another technique, termed Resist, creates a unique look, combining oil and water-based paints.
Multi-Media is an artwork that uses or includes a combination of electronic media, such as video, film, audio and computers.
Mixed media vs. Multi-Media
What is the difference between mixed media and multi-media artworks? While both terms describe artworks that are made using a range of materials, multi-media is generally used to define an artwork that uses or includes a combination of electronic media, such as video, film, audio and computers.
As we push the boundaries of art we will soon be adding the category of AI (artificial intelligence) to the mix. This reminds me that, The only thing that is consistent in life is change.
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