Collage art has always fascinated me. The taking of different often unrelated images and combining them into a whole new reality. I dabble a bit myself. My pieces tend to be chaotic and disjointed bits of things done on a tiny scale. I recently came across the work of London-based collage artist Maya Land. The pieces she creates are far more disciplined, created with a precise attention to detail and an eye for the surreal.
Her multi-layered handmade combinations of vintage imagery present more like paintings and depict intriguing stories. The structured surrealism defines their very nature, lending to otherworldly outcomes. Drawing inspiration from a combination of personal experience and life around her, Maya’s work is wonderfully weird and immensely interesting. The cuts are incredibly clean. The backgrounds and foregrounds blend seamlessly.
‘Beach Life’ by Maya Land
The three-dimensional feel of this piece called ‘Beach Life’ is amazing. As your eyes scan up from the serenity of vacationers on a beach, to the cool air of the mountain snowcaps, and finally an indoor setting. It’s as if this is all taking place inside some mansion or museum.
‘Birthday Cake’ by Maya Land
Oh how I want to be that lone figure on that mountain top tempted by an enormous strawberry shortcake. The image of the pink frosting slowly melting out of the pot makes your mouth water in sweet anticipation. Just look how these very different scenes blend together.
‘She’s Hot’ by Maya Land
I really love this style of Maya’s work. Simple yet emotive. Taking the viewer through time and feeling as the stoic man’s black and white face contrasts with the fiery expression of the woman. And again in this piece, the edge of the ‘smoke’ gives a three-dimensional depth to the image.
You can buy Maya’s work directly from her website (mayalandart.com). She sells both original pieces and prints. You can also join her Art Club for £10 per month (roughly $13.50 USD) where you’ll receive a limited-edition 5”x7” collage print every month.
Maya also posts short clips of her process on Instagram.
Cheers!
Stephen
