Interview with The Jealous Curator

Danielle Krysa on Collage and Kolaj Fest New Orleans

Kolaj Fest New Orleans is a multi-day festival and symposium about contemporary collage and its role in art, culture, and society, July 12-15, 2018. Visit the website to learn more, see an overview of the program, and register to attend.

A highlight of Kolaj Fest New Orleans will be “An Evening with The Jealous Curator, Danielle Krysa.” Her 2014 book, Collage, showcased 30 collage artists from around the world. A collage artist herself, Krysa has a deep understanding of the medium and its role in the art world.

We asked Krysa some questions about why she loves collage and her hopes for Kolaj Fest New Orleans.

The Jealous Curator blog covers the whole spectrum of contemporary art. Why did you decide to write about collage for your second book? What draws you to the medium?

I have always been drawn to collage–probably because of my many years as a graphic designer [there are a lot of similarities]. I love clever use of negative space, and repurposing existing elements to tell a totally brand new story. For the second book, I wanted to see what would happen if I gave thirty collage artists from around the world–with different backgrounds, styles, etc.–the exact same starting image. Well, they did not disappoint! That’s what I love so much about collage–the same found image can be transformed into countless unique works of art. It feels like a little bit of creative magic to me.

Since the first phone call we had about bringing you to Kolaj Fest New Orleans, you have been incredibly excited and fiercely enthusiastic. What excites you about the event?

I feel like collage is finally starting to come into its own, and is being considered “real art”. Even though collage has been around for ages, it hasn’t really been given the spotlight it deserves…this event feels like that spotlight. Also, I love the idea of being surrounded by other people who also get ridiculously excited when they find a book filled with stuff they can cut out!

What is one thing you would like to learn from others attending Kolaj Fest New Orleans?

I want to hear their stories–good, bad, and ugly. What kind of glue do they love, does scale matter, what’s the weirdest material they’ve tried, do they have insecurities about this medium, where do they find the best images, how can we all get together and put on a huge show!? Oh, that wasn’t really one thing. Sorry (not really).

A Big Important Art Book-Now with Women! comes out in October 2018. Will you be serving an amuse bouche of the book at Kolaj Fest New Orleans?

Yes, I will! There are several collage artists featured, and a number of artists who use collage as either a starting place for their paintings, or as a creativity jumpstarter when they’re feeling blocked. See, collage is everywhere.

Kolaj Fest New Orleans is a multi-day festival and symposium about contemporary collage and its role in art, culture, and society, July 12-15, 2018. Visit the website to learn more, see an overview of the program, and register to attend.