Interview Dialog: An Art Critic Interviews Andrew Conway-Hyde on “Collage Numérique”

Critic: Good afternoon, Andrew! It’s a pleasure to be here exploring your intriguing series, “Collage Numérique.” Your innovative approach to combining old photographs with abstract colour effects is truly captivating.

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Good afternoon! I’m excited to discuss “Collage Numérique” and the creative process behind it.

Critic: Let’s dive in! What inspired you to create the “Collage Numérique” series, and how did you arrive at this unique blend of traditional photography and digital manipulation?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: The inspiration came from my fascination with memory and the passage of time. By taking old photographs, I’m able to explore personal histories while layering them with abstract colors and light. This combination creates a dialogue between the past and the present, allowing for a reinterpretation of memories in a contemporary context.

Critic: That’s a powerful concept! Can you elaborate on how you build the background for your collages using abstract colour effects?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Certainly! I use a mix of paint and photographs of light that I’ve captured, manipulating them to create vibrant, textured backgrounds. The abstract colours serve as a foundation that enhances the emotional resonance of the old photographs, inviting viewers to engage with the layers of meaning and memory.

Critic: I love that layering approach! How do you select the photographs you incorporate into your collages, and what criteria guide your choices?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: I choose photographs that evoke strong emotions or memories—images that tell a story or capture a moment in time. The selection process is intuitive; I look for elements that resonate with the abstract background I’ve created. This synergy between the old and the new is crucial for the final composition.

Critic: It sounds like a deeply personal process. Once you have your elements, how do you manipulate them digitally to create the final artwork?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: I use various digital filtering techniques and software to manipulate the photographs. This allows me to blend the images seamlessly with the abstract background, enhancing colors, adjusting contrasts, and creating layers. The digital process gives me the freedom to experiment, leading to unexpected and exciting results.

Critic: That’s fascinating! How does digital manipulation change the way a viewer interacts with the traditional photographs you use?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Digital manipulation transforms the photographs into something new and abstract. It encourages viewers to see them not just as snapshots of the past but as dynamic elements within a larger narrative. This shift can provoke reflection and interpretation, inviting a more profound engagement with the artwork.

Critic: I can see how that would create a more interactive experience. Can you describe a specific piece from the “Collage Numérique” series that exemplifies this blending of old and new?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: One piece that stands out is titled “Echoes of Time.” In this collage, I’ve layered an old family photograph against an abstract background of swirling colours and light patterns. The contrast between the nostalgia of the photograph and the vibrant energy of the background creates a visual tension that invites viewers to explore their own connections to memory and time.

Critic: “Echoes of Time” sounds captivating! How do you hope viewers engage with the themes of memory and emotion within your collages?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: I hope they find resonance in the layers of the artwork, prompting them to reflect on their own memories and experiences. Each viewer brings their own story, and I want them to feel that connection—recognise the beauty and complexity of how we remember and reinterpret our pasts.

Critic: That’s a beautiful intention. In your opinion, how does “Collage Numérique” contribute to contemporary discussions about art, memory, and identity?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: “Collage Numérique” opens up conversations about how we construct our identities through memory and imagery. In a world dominated by digital media, this series encourages viewers to consider the relationship between the physical and the digital, as well as how our pasts shape our present selves. It’s a reflection on the fluidity of identity in the modern age.

Critic: Thank you, Andrew! This has been an enlightening conversation about your “Collage Numérique” series. I look forward to seeing how your exploration of memory, colour, and digital manipulation continues to evolve.

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Thank you! I’ve enjoyed sharing my thoughts on this project, and I’m excited about the future directions it may take!