Collages

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The beauty collage collection dedicated to 100 years period from 1890 to 1990s. It`s made of collected original magazines.

" How it all began is quite interesting. I was strolling through the flea market in Los Angeles and stumbled upon a fashion magazine dating back to 1923, which intrigued me greatly. The fact that this magazine had endured through almost a century astonished me. It was called "Hollywood Classic." As I perused its contents, the beauty of it struck me deeply. Given that photography was still in its nascent stages around 100 years ago when the first cameras emerged, the photographs within were captivating. One of the photography styles that caught my attention was sepia, one of the earliest techniques. I was familiar with this style, so I procured the magazine and held onto it for a few years.
Eventually, the idea to create a collage for decorating my salon took shape when I decided to open it. Given the focus of my salon on skincare, hair, and fashion, it made sense to incorporate the vintage beauty advertisements from the magazine. With this in mind, I acquired a canvas and retained the magazine for an extended period. However, it wasn't until I opened the doors to my salon that I finally mustered the motivation to actualize this idea. Approximately two years ago, I placed the canvas on a table and embarked on creating the collage. The process unfolded smoothly, and I found myself deeply enamored with it. The finished piece was even framed behind glass, as the aged magazine pages were delicate and didn't require any additional trimming; they were already showing signs of wear and tear.
As I crafted the collage, my thoughts were immersed in the inspiration drawn from old Hollywood and the red carpet. I pondered what people cared about a century ago, what beauty treatments and procedures captivated their attention. My exploration of the magazine's articles unearthed surprising details, such as diamonds being more affordable than perfumes a century ago. This revelation left me chuckling. Such historical insights drove me to reflect on the evolution of beauty standards and preferences. Even the most extravagant luxury of the time was a hand-drawn portrait priced at $100, given that photography was still in its infancy. Notably, cars commanded a price range of $300 to $400, a fact that truly boggles the mind.
The idea that you could purchase perfume for $18 or acquire a portrait for $100 while a car fetched only a few hundred dollars is astonishing. The contrasts in value are quite intriguing. The collage I created served as a visual representation of this historical perspective. It resonated with the influence of music and Hollywood's stars, reflecting the transformation from natural aesthetics to exuberant and vibrant expressions. The imagery featured diverse styles, such as a combination of red, purple, blue, and turquoise, capturing the era's dynamic spirit. The collages also spotlighted prominent figures who embodied the pinnacle of fame and fashion during their respective times.
When I began my journey as a hairstylist, I vividly remember clients coming in during the 90s and 2000s, seeking haircuts akin to those of Victoria Beckham or Rachel from "Friends." These celebrities served as influential style icons, guiding our choices and inspiring experimentation. In the collages, you can discern the echoes of these influences, particularly the prevalence of 90s figures like Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Kate Moss. The images captured a time of natural beauty, untouched by extensive photoshopping or widespread cosmetic procedures. This authenticity shone through in the advertisements and imagery of that era, a facet I sought to highlight in my collages. Furthermore, these reflections fueled the inception of new ideas for future artistic endeavors.
The creative process, as you might know, can sometimes take surprising turns. Initially, we have a general aesthetic in mind for a particular era. For instance, when revisiting the 1930s, we focused on wavy hair and aimed to draw inspiration without rigidly emulating the past. It's about encapsulating the essence of the era. In the 1920s, due to the influence of silent movies, dramatic makeup reigned supreme, mirroring the exaggerated expressions of actors. This theatrical influence led to striking makeup choices during that time.