Décollage

Décollage is an art technique rooted in the French Nouveau Réalisme movement, closely associated with artists like François Dufrene, Jacques Villeglé, Mimmo Rotella, and Raymond Hains. The term literally means "to unstick" in French and involves creating artwork by tearing away pieces from an original image, such as posters ripped from public walls. This technique inverses the method of collage, favoring a subtractive process over an additive one, often resulting in a layered, palimpsestic effect.

The origins of décollage can be traced back to the 1938 Dictionnaire Abrégé du Surréalisme, where it was first mentioned in print. However, it gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s in Paris with the Nouveau Réalisme movement, which sought to challenge the boundaries of art by incorporating elements of real life and popular culture into their work, much like their American Pop Art contemporaries. Artists employed décollage to critique the proliferation of mass media and advertising, using the torn posters as a form of artistic intervention and social commentary.

Rotella, an innovator of décollage, started as a painter of expressive, geometric abstraction in Italy before moving on to create works that combined elements of Dada, Futurism, and Pop Art. His works, such as "Collage 12" (1954) and "Birra!" (1962), utilized worn-out advertising posters, which he would tear and reassemble onto canvas. His approach was radical and original, expanding into various techniques like retro d'affiche, blanks, and sovrapitture, where he painted over his décollages.

Notable works by these artists have been recognized and displayed in esteemed galleries and museums. For instance, Raymond Hains' lacerated posters were presented as anonymous public interventions in Paris. Mimmo Rotella's works, after gaining international acclaim, were celebrated in a retrospective in London. His creations like "Picasso lacerato" (2001) and "Il bacio al parco" (1993) demonstrate the depth and complexity of décollage as an art form.

The legacy of décollage continues through contemporary artists like Mark Bradford and Brian Dettmer, who adapt the technique to comment on cultural and social issues, thereby keeping the spirit of Nouveau Réalisme alive in the modern art world.

For collectors, auctioneers, and experts in art and antiques, the exploration and acquisition of décollage artworks offer a unique insight into a pivotal moment in art history where the lines between life and art were provocatively blurred. Those interested in updates on new product sales and auction events related to décollage can sign up for notifications, ensuring they remain informed on the latest developments and offerings in this intriguing artistic domain​.