I was in San Francisco when I got Brazilian artist Mauricio Planel Rossiello's message, complimenting my photograph from Bastille (at left) and asking if he could use it in his work. Upon my return to Paris, I sent the photo to Mauricio.
Late last week, Mauricio forwarded me the result from Rio: a wonderful collage incorporating images from the '40s and '50s, including Catwoman and an American farmer. The collage is currently part of a cultural exhibition in Brazil.
For nearly two years, I've admired Mauricio's work, which infuses art with social and political commentary. In his work, Mauricio creates bold statements that are not only beautiful and unique, but meaningful to our lives.
"I like to get old images and give them a new life and a new history," he said. "Regarding the collages' themes, they have my social-political vision inserted in them. I think that it's important to transmit it through my work."
See more of Mauricio's powerful images and illustrations at his multilingual website El Collage.
Copyright 2008 Mauricio Planel Rossiello.
One of my favourite of Mauricio's collages, "Sepias," represents humans in modern society being overwhelmed and depressed by news of chaos and disaster."Breathing deep, raise the eyes and continue."
"Respirar hondo, levantar los ojos y seguir."
"Respirar fundo, levantar os olhos e seguir."
Ooops. Meant to type 'h'. Hannah Hoch. :>(
Posted by: kris campbell | 26 June 2008 at 00:14
These remind me so of Hannah Hock and John Heartfield. Wonderful!
Posted by: kris campbell | 26 June 2008 at 00:13
Artists supporting and complimenting each other! It's fantastic!
Posted by: Madeline | 25 June 2008 at 20:19
Breath deep and raise the eyes...wow, brilliant.
Posted by: stephanie | 25 June 2008 at 02:59
Wow Tara you must be thrilled. What a fabulous piece of work. I also love the Sepias collage - such a strong message
Posted by: Di Overton | 24 June 2008 at 21:06
Isn't is incredible that your photograph prompted Mauricio's creativity? Isn't the end result wonderful. Life is all intertwined. This vehicle, the internet is one dazzling place and THIS is a prime example!
xo
Constance
What FUN!
Love Cat Woman, Meow, Gurrrrrrrrrrrrr
Posted by: rochambeau | 24 June 2008 at 16:56
Tara this is amazing how he creates his artwork using your photograph!How exciting for you!
The "Sepias" piece speaks to me!
P.S. Planning our trip to your city.. hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 24 June 2008 at 01:58
These collages are fascinating, but what I love more than that is that you two were able to connect through your wonderful photos! I will check out his website, too.
Posted by: tangobaby | 23 June 2008 at 23:10
Lovely new banner and stunning collage. I'm always pleased to learn about someone I'm not yet familiar with. Cheers! And again, welcome back!
Posted by: Jeanie | 23 June 2008 at 20:00
very impressive work ~ i'd never heard of mauricio and am so delighted to have been introduced here. he truly very talented.
Posted by: studio wellspring | 23 June 2008 at 18:34
that looks extremely difficult to do. What a talent!
Posted by: Just Jen | 23 June 2008 at 15:14
This whole post is absolutely stunning. I love the story you tell about meeting an artist who "collaborates" with your work. I wonder if this could begin a trend to share and overlap creativities.
Posted by: Gemma | 23 June 2008 at 13:35