A lyrical disruption of the everyday
This week we welcome Caroline Golden, a New York-based collage artist whose career began in the world of publishing and advertising. After honing her skills as a paste-up artist, graphic designer and art director, she discovered the potential to merge her technical expertise with her creative vision. In 1996, Golden made the leap into fine art full-time, transforming her diverse background into the artistic practice of collage and assemblage.
Her studio houses an ever-growing collection of found images and objects that she transforms into collages. Her work often veers between whimsical and unsettling, drawing viewers into surreal narratives that encourage thought and spark reflection. Through her art, Golden delves into hidden realms, uncovers inner truths and explores the delicate balance between the actual and the imagined.
Golden’s collages have been exhibited widely in solo and group shows and are held in private and corporate collections around the world. In 2020, her art served as the inspiration for writer Derek Owens, who crafted companion pieces for her series “The Villagers.” This collaboration culminated in an award-winning book of the same title, published in February 2022. Most recently, she was awarded a residency at Baer Art Center in Iceland during the summer of 2023.
In Golden’s words: “In an enchanting dance between reality and imagination, I wield scissors and glue to craft realms where the familiar intertwines with the fantastical. As a collage artist, the materials I choose are often repurposed or discarded items, breathing new life into what was once forgotten. I meticulously hand-cut and manipulate these objects and images, layering and frequently lifting them off the flat paper surface.
“My process is both meditative and intentional, blending found elements with my own painted additions to craft new worlds. Whether I’m reimagining classic fairytales, like journeying through Lewis Carroll’s rabbit hole, or exploring our natural world, my goal is to evoke a sense of curiosity and wonder. I invite viewers on a journey of exploration and discovery, encouraging them to look closer and uncover hidden stories within each piece. My collages act as mirrors, reflecting the beauty, complexity and magic of the world around us, and challenging us to see the extraordinary in the everyday.”
See more of Golden’s work on her website and on Instagram.
