The term “collage” was first coined by Cubist Georges Braque (1882-1963) and Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), from the French word “coller” or “to glue.” From here, a movement emerged – one based upon avant-garde assemblages, fractured forms and deconstructed subject matter. Since then, many practitioners across the globe have been inspired to dismantle visuals, literally “piecing” new pictures together whilst drawing attention to the fragile materiality of images. Alma Haser’s (b. 1989) puzzle-piece portraits negotiate the boundaries between the real and the manufactured. These intriguing and unsettling images are disruptions of the human form as we know it today, asking intriguing questions about the manipulation, construction and obfuscation of the self in the 21st century. In an age of hyper-self-awareness, increased video connectivity and social media profiles, these photographs reflect upon the shape-shifting nature of identity today.
Image Credits:
1. Alma Haser, Mayflower, a coder from the Annie Connons organisation, a collaboration with Maria de Rio for Wired US. Courtesy of the artist.
2. Alma Haser, Hands Pixelated, from the series I Always Have To Repeat Myself . Courtesy of the artist.
3. Alma Haser, Wexin, commissioned by Infringe magazine. Courtesy of the artist.
4. Alma Haser, Alina, commissioned by Infringe magazine. Courtesy of the artist.
5. Alma Haser, Lee and Clinton (1) from the series Within 15 Minutes. Courtesy of the artist.
6. Alma Haser, Tia, a coder from the Annie Connons organisation, a collaboration with Maria de Rio for Wired US. Courtesy of the artist.
7. Alma Haser, Wife, from the series Husband and Wife. Courtesy of the artist.
8. Alma Haser, Will and Amy, Private commission. Courtesy of the artist.
9. Alma Haser, Hermon and Heroda (2) from the series Within 15 Minutes. Courtesy of the artist.
