Exploring the surreal and dreamlike, Michael von Allmen brings imagination to life through the art of collage. A nature-loving creative with a lifelong fascination for Surrealism and Dadaism, he have spent the past twelve years crafting intricate works using old magazines, newspapers, and everyday ephemera. Guided by an intuitive process and an eye for harmony, Michael transforms ordinary imagery into extraordinary compositions that reflect his thoughts, dreams, and experiences. In this interview, Michael von Allmen shares insights into his artistic journey, the allure of collage as a medium, and the timelessness of this transformative art form.
Can you tell us about who you are?
I am a nature-loving person with a lot of imagination!
Even as a child, I painted a lot in my room and immersed myself in my own world. The fascination with the surreal, unreal, and dreamlike gives me ideas for my works. For the past twelve years, I have been creating collages from newspapers, magazines, and anything that comes into my hands. I draw inspiration from Surrealism and the earlier Dadaism. Whether in everyday life or in nature, I bring my creativity to the paper.
What inspired you to start working with collage as a medium?
I am inspired by the medium collage that I can quickly implement the artwork mentally. I like !t when I can work out a harmony from pictures of magazines from different eras.
How has your journey as an artist evolved since you first began creating?
In the last twelve years I have further developed my wealth of ideas and my skill with scissors has become more and more accurate.
Are there particular experiences or memories that influence your work?
I process everyday life, my thoughts, and my dreams in my art. Since I was a child, Surrealism has accompanied me, which I then bring to the paper.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from idea to finished piece?
The development of a new artwork gradually forms in my mind. I search for suitable image material, which I then carefully cut out and place on paper. Sometimes, I discard an idea and start anew. I work on a piece until it feels right to me.
Where do you source your materials, and how do they contribute to your storytelling?
I find old magazines in thrift stores or bid for them on online auction platforms. I also use photos from current promotional brochures or magazines for my collages.
Who or what are your biggest influences, within and beyond the art world?
I am inspired by Surrealism and Dadaism in my art.
How do you deal with creative blocks when working on a collage?
If I don’t like an idea, I discard it and start anew.
How do you see the art of collage evolving in the contemporary art world?
Collages are timeless.