I Heart You, Alicia Saxe, 2021, collage, 14 x 11 in. / 35.56 x 27.94 cm.

Surreal Scenes: The Collage Art of Alicia Saxe

Featured image: I Heart You, Alicia Saxe, 2021, collage, 14 x 11 in. / 35.56 x 27.94 cm.

Alicia Saxe's captivating paper collages blend surreal elements with vibrant compositions to challenge and enchant the viewer.

Alicia Saxe is an artist known for her intricate paper collages that blend surrealism with vivid realism, exploring themes of nature, humanity, and the interplay between them.

Through her works "Fish Fly," "The Menagerie," and "The Offering," Saxe invites us into a visually rich world where the boundaries between the real and the imagined blur, creating narratives that are both fantastical and grounded in human emotion.

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"Fish Fly" (2020):

Fish Fly, Alicia Saxe, 2020, paper, 17 x 12 in. / 43.18 x 30.48 cm.

Fish Fly, Alicia Saxe, 2020, paper, 17 x 12 in. / 43.18 x 30.48 cm.

In "Fish Fly," Alicia Saxe captures a dynamic scene where elements of the natural world interact whimsically with human forms. This artwork shows a woman balanced on a patterned drum, surrounded by floating fish, illustrating a surreal coexistence. The vibrant use of colors and the imaginative layout invite the viewer into a playful yet profound meditation on harmony and balance in the natural world. Saxe’s mastery of composition turns the ordinary into something extraordinary, symbolizing freedom and the fluidity of life.

"The Menagerie" (2021):

The Menagerie, Alicia Saxe, 2021, paper, 14 x 11 in. / 35.56 x 27.94 cm.

The Menagerie, Alicia Saxe, 2021, paper, 14 x 11 in. / 35.56 x 27.94 cm.

"The Menagerie" is a striking composition by Saxe that combines human elegance with the wildness of nature, depicted through an array of exotic animals and bold floral patterns. This collage uses stark contrasts in color and form to create a powerful visual statement about the beauty and complexity of biodiversity. The artwork’s detailed assembly and the thoughtful positioning of each element showcase Saxe’s ability to convey deep messages through intricate visuals, celebrating the diversity of life and the roles we play within it.

"The Offering" (2020):

The Offering, Alicia Saxe, 2020, paper, 14 x 11 in. / 35.56 x 27.94 cm.

The Offering, Alicia Saxe, 2020, paper, 14 x 11 in. / 35.56 x 27.94 cm.

"The Offering" presents a more introspective scene, where a woman is depicted in a moment of subtle exchange, surrounded by symbolic images including a zebra and various artistic representations. This piece explores themes of legacy, beauty, and the human experience through its layered imagery. Saxe’s choice of muted colors and the strategic placement of each collage piece create a narrative that speaks to the transmission of cultural and aesthetic values across generations.

Alicia Saxe’s artwork transcends simple artistic expression, delving into deep explorations of interpersonal connections, environmental consciousness, and the human psyche. Her pieces "Fish Fly," "The Menagerie," and "The Offering" are not just visually stimulating; they are profound studies in the complexity of existence, expertly crafted to engage and provoke thought. Through her innovative use of paper collage, Saxe continuously redefines the potential of this medium to convey compelling stories.

Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.

She Gathered Objects of Beauty, Alicia Saxe, 2021, paper, 17 x 12 in. / 43.18 x 30.48 cm.

She Gathered Objects of Beauty, Alicia Saxe, 2021, paper, 17 x 12 in. / 43.18 x 30.48 cm.

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