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Kolaj Fest New Orleans 2018 was a multi-day festival & symposium about contemporary collage and its role in art, culture, and society, July 12-15, 2018.

Our Recap of Kolaj Fest New Orleans 2018

It happened! Over the course of five days, we came together as a community. We met, made collage, attended workshops and panels, toured galleries, shared stories, strategized about projects, and held evening events that demonstrated we can take art out into the community. The folks who came to Kolaj Fest fell in love with New Orleans and the city was as gracious and hospitable as ever.

I could tell you about Todd Bartel’s fascinating theory of Uncollage, The Jealous Curator’s inspiring talk, the collage making that took place at Artisan Bar, Lucy Julia Hale’s quick and dirty collage making workshop, Aaron Beebe showing up on Saturday morning with hot Cafe du Monde beignets for everybody, the words of wisdom from the galleries we visited, or all the great collage that was seen, made, or swapped. I could share with you conversations about different materials or ideas for a curatorial workgroup or a design firm or an online marketplace. I could go on about how awesome it was to be in a room full of folks who came together out of a deep love for this medium, but frankly words escape me. You just had to be there.

If you want to see an iota of what happened, check out #kolajfest on Instagram where folks have been posting pictures and writing reviews of the event. You can also check out the program for the event which is posted online HERE.

When we originally conceived Kolaj Fest, we frankly were unsure if we could pull it off, if people would attend. Collage artists from Australia, Peru and across North America came together and built lasting relationships. As one participant put it, “I met collage artists from so many different backgrounds and ones that I would have otherwise been too intimidated to meet only to find out we’re all humble paper cutting nerds.”

In promoting Kolaj Fest New Orleans, we said it was going to be an historic coming together of collage artists. It was pretty magical. But the true value of the event has yet to be determined. We sent those who attended home with a mission to manifest what took place at Kolaj Fest in their own communities and in their art practice. Time will tell. For now, we wait to see what fruit will bear from the seeds planted.

Now we must decide what happens next. Our goals for Kolaj Fest are to raise the profile and deepen our understanding of collage. We do this through seeing art and hearing presentations about the role collage plays in art, history, and culture. We provide opportunities for artists to introduce their work to others and for academics to share their research about collage.

Will there be another Kolaj Fest? We can say unequivocally, yes. The when and where will be announced in the coming weeks and only after we complete our review process and take some time to reflect on how this event can best serve the medium of collage.

In the meantime, you can get the world of collage delivered to your door. If you are not already, consider subscribing to Kolaj Magazine. We appreciate your support.

Ric Kasini Kadour & Christopher Byrne
Kolaj Magazine

THANK YOU

Kolaj Fest New Orleans would not be possible without the generosity of Laurie & Doug Kanyer & the crew at Press Street & Antenna: Bob Snead | Natalie McLaurin | Amelia Broussard | Nic Aziz | David Meinhart. Thank you to these folks provided essential programmatic support: Kevin Sampsell and Jay Berrones in the Collage Making Space | Steffanie Arnold and Ryan Skaggs at Aloft New Orleans Downtown Hotel | Monica DaSilva and David Grove and all the staff at Artisan Bar & Cafe | Gene Speas and Robin at Kajun’s Pub | Chuck Perkins at Cafe Istanbul | Marcela Correa at Arts District New Orleans and Jonathan Ferrara Gallery | Dr. Stella Jones at Stella Jones Gallery | Christy Wood & Jordan Blanton at LeMieux Galleries | Stephen Hawkins at Arthur Roger Gallery | Regina Parkinson at Brand New Orleans Gallery | Emily Siekkinen at Octavia Art Gallery | Christina Juran at The New Orleans Art Center | Melissa Kenyon at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art | Yuka Petz at Paper Machine | Cynthia Scott at The Front | Rebecca O’Brien & Rachel Funel at New Orleans & Company. A special thank you to all the artists and presenters who stepped up in remarkable ways and got themselves to New Orleans. When you see them, thank each and every one of them.

Reviews

Eye Magazine
Collage Champions by Steven McCarthy
READ THE ARTICLE

The Gambit
Review: 'Revolutionary Paths' collage expo at Antenna is pure poetry by D. Eric Bookhardt
READ THE REVIEW

Jon Foster, Mail Art
Kolaj Fest New Orleans
READ IT HERE

Kevin Sampsell
Kolaj Fest Was Hot!
READ IT HERE

One Word Long
Kolaj Fest 2018: Curatorial Issues in Collage
READ IT HERE

The Seaside Fleet (New Orleans)
READ THE POST

On the Cover: Beware by Lisa Barcy
(12"x9"; collage on paper; 2016)

Program Book

This Kolaj Fest New Orleans Program Book is a document of all things related to Kolaj Fest New Orleans 2018. In these pages, you will find a schedule and descriptions of sessions, bios and website information for artists and presenters, descriptions of evening events and special programs and some helpful information about getting around and being in New Orleans.

EXHIBITION

Revolutionary Paths

Critical Issues in Collage at Antenna Gallery in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 11 July-5 August 2018. Collage has a rich history of spawning new thinking about artmaking. The history of 20th century art is littered with examples of artists who cut and pasted their way into artistic advancement. And yet, when the collage is presented in exhibition, it is often done so without the critical framework granted other mediums. In this exhibition, curator Ric Kasini Kadour presented examples of collage that represent various aspects and takes on the medium. Each work in the exhibition represented the potential for deeper inquiry and further curatorial exploration of the medium. MORE

AT KOLAJ FEST

Daily Collage Congress

At each Daily Collage Congress, we reviewed the day’s agenda. Speakers shared ideas about the state of collage. And we heard updates about special projects taking place during the festival. MORE

Collage by Kike Cosgrains.
Learn more HERE.

AT KOLAJ FEST

Symposium

The program at Kolaj Fest was a unique experience. We had multiple goals and were serving multiple audiences: We sought to breakdown hierarchy and foster dialogue among art professionals working in a variety of capacities. We sought to build bridges between the collage community and the larger art world; between the art world and the general public. Our hope was that participants would have fun, network, play, and socialize while engaging in deep, real talk about issues that are important to them. We hoped that people would leave Kolaj Fest New Orleans connected to a community, armed with ideas for their art, the presentation of collage, their writing and curatorial work, or simply a deeper appreciation and understanding of collage and the people who make it. SEE SCHEDULE

Read More about Kevin HERE

AT KOLAJ FEST

Collage Making Space

Collage making took place 11AM to 5PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Kolaj Fest New Orleans at Artisan Bar & Cafe. In addition to free time to make collage, the space hosted artists leading demonstrations and workshops. The space had scissors, X-acto knives, glue, and a collection of papers and materials. Our collage making space was hosted by Kevin Sampsell with support from Jay Berrones.

ONGOING AT KOLAJ FEST

Special Activities
& Projects

In addition to a robust program of presentations, a number of special activities took place at Kolaj Fest New Orleans. These included Great Collage Swap; Collage Tanzkarte; Made at Kolaj Fest; Collage in Animation; & Artist Projects. LEARN MORE

THURSDAY NIGHT

Antenna::Signals

Silk Road, 2483 Royal Street, 6PM-8:30PM. Issue 008 of Antenna::Signals examined the theme of “amalgamation”, exploring the numerous ways in which fusion has taken place and continues to occur across multiple disciplines of human endeavor. Conceived as a “live arts magazine,” Antenna::Signals is a variety show-styled event from the artists and writers of Antenna. MORE

FRIDAY NIGHT

An Evening with The Jealous Curator

Cafe Istanbul, 2372 St Claude Ave, 7PM (doors opened at 6:30). Danielle Krysa's "The Jealous Curator" blog is a cultural force, featured in dozens of magazines and followed by countless people seeking inspiration and gorgeous contemporary art. Her 2014 book, Collage, showcased 30 collage artists from around the world. "Danielle is a champion of artists and collage in particular," said Kolaj Magazine Editor, Ric Kasini Kadour. "Her eye for spotting talented contemporary artists, her ability to tease out the most brilliant advice for creative people, and her general enthusiasm for building bridges between the art world and society at large makes her one of the most compelling art writers of our time." MORE

SATURDAY NIGHT

Why Is That Dinosaur Holding a Vacuum & Other Stories from the World of Collage

Kajun’s Pub. 2256 St Claude Ave. 7PM. An experiment took contemporary art where it does not normally go. MORE

Assemblage by Marcy Lally
at LeMieux Galleries. MORE

COLLAGE ON VIEW

Collage in
The Crescent City

The primary exhibition of Kolaj Fest New Orleans 2018 was “Revolutionary Paths: Critical Isssues in Collage” at Antenna Gallery (see information HERE). On Thursday, July 12th, Ric Kasini Kadour led Kolaj Fest New Orleans registrants on a tour of several galleries in Arts District New Orleans. Like any vibrant, contemporary art scene, New Orleans is full of remarkable galleries showing collage. Here is our list of places we recommended checking out.

KOLAJ FEST HOTEL

Aloft New Orleans Downtown

Aloft New Orleans Downtown is located in the heart of the Central Business District, steps away from the French Quarter and street car ride away from the Marigny/Bywater. A limited block of rooms was set aside for Kolaj Fest New Orleans 2018 attendees at the special rate of $119 per night (plus state and city taxes). Rooms at this rate were available starting the night of Wednesday, July 11th through the night of Sunday, July 15th.

Aloft New Orleans Downtown
225 Barrone Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 581-9225 | HOTEL WEBSITE

AT KOLAJ FEST

Early Welcome Reception

July 11, 5-7PM. Aloft New Orleans Downtown's W XYZ Bar is known for its vibrant social scene, eclectic playlists, and live acoustic performances from emerging artists. It's the perfect place to mix and mingle with other attendees while sipping on a specialty cocktail, a glass of bubbly, or a cold draft beer. A "light bites menu" is available. Kolaj Fest New Orleans hosted a reception on Wednesday, July 11th, 5-7PM. Attendees were able to check into Kolaj Fest and meet the organizers and other folks attending Kolaj Fest.

Kolaj Fest New Orleans 2018 was made possible through
a generous gift from Laurie and Doug Kanyer.

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About Kolaj Magazine

Kolaj Magazine is a quarterly, printed magazine about contemporary collage. We are interested in how collage is made, how collage is exhibited, and how collage is collected. We are interested in the role collage plays in contemporary visual culture. Kolaj is a full colour, internationally-oriented art magazine. Kolaj is published in Montreal, Quebec by Maison Kasini. Visit Kolaj Magazine online.

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