Like many mediums, paper collage speaks its own language, evoking powerful thoughts and messages. Using Paper collage, Armstrong moves to blend culture, history, and emotion into layered masterpieces that speak beyond the surface. In his pieces; Queen Idia Mask, Unity in Diversity, and The Gaze, Armstrong uses small fragments of paper to create textured, detailed images that evoke the past while staying modern and fresh. In this this edition, Weekend Trust explores the art of paper collage.
In today’s art world, few mediums offer the same richness and depth as paper collage. This technique, which involves cutting and layering pieces of paper to create a larger image, allows artists to tell stories in a unique and textured way. Armstrong’s works, like Queen Idia Mask, Unity in Diversity, and The Gaze, beautifully showcase how paper collage can bring cultural history, identity, and diversity to life. Each piece of his art feels like a conversation between the past and the present, using fragments of paper to create a whole that speaks to the viewer on a deeper level.
The art of paper collage
Paper collage is a detailed and careful process where the artist uses different types of paper, whether from magazines, newspapers, or coloured sheets. These paper fragments are cut into small pieces and layered together to form a complete picture. In Armstrong’s hands, each piece of paper serves a purpose—whether to show light, shadow, or a texture that makes the artwork come alive. Unlike traditional painting, where brushstrokes blend smoothly, paper collage keeps each fragment visible, adding texture and detail that bring depth to the art.
Queen Idia Mask (2012)
One of Armstrong’s most striking pieces is the Queen Idia Mask. The original Queen Idia mask is a symbol of royalty and strength in the Benin culture. Armstrong’s collage honours this rich history while giving it a modern feel. The small pieces of paper layered one on top of the other create a mosaic-like effect that breathes new life into the ancient mask. The warm tones of red, orange, and brown evoke the craftsmanship of the original artefact, while the rough, textured paper gives the viewer a sense of the mask’s historical weight.
Unity in Diversity (2012)
In Unity in Diversity, Armstrong uses abstraction to express the beauty of different cultures coming together. The artwork is full of colourful shapes that seem to float and swirl, representing the idea of unity despite differences. Just like society is made up of many unique individuals, this piece is built from many fragments of paper, each one different but contributing to a larger, unified whole. The texture and layers in this piece are captivating. The various paper fragments create a sense of movement, as if the shapes are dancing together. This symbolises how, despite our differences, we all play role in creating harmony in society. The paper collage technique perfectly captures this message, with each piece of paper acting as a symbol for different cultures and perspectives working together.
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The Gaze (2017)
In The Gaze, Armstrong creates a powerful portrait using paper collage. The careful layering of paper pieces mimics the subtle changes in skin tone, light, and shadow, giving the subject a sense of realism and emotion. The subject’s thoughtful expression invites the viewer to connect with her on a personal level. By using paper collage for this portrait, Armstrong adds a visual quality to the image. Each small piece of paper is like a piece of the subject’s story, coming together to form a complete and emotional whole. The mix of colours and textures brings depth to the portrait, making the subject feel alive and present.
The power of paper collage in Armstrong’s art
Armstrong’s use of paper collage adds a unique dimension to his art. It’s not just about the subject of the piece, but also about how the medium itself becomes part of the story. The physical layering of paper creates a sense of history, identity, and emotion that wouldn’t be possible with paint or other mediums.
Each piece of paper carries its own story, but when combined, they form something greater. This mirrors the themes Armstrong explores—whether it’s the legacy of Queen Idia or the idea of unity in diversity. The fragmented nature of paper collage brings these concepts to life, making the viewer feel the depth and complexity behind each piece.
Through his paper collage works, Armstrong shows the power of art to connect people to their cultures, identities, and shared humanity. His unique use of this medium adds texture and meaning, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level. By layering fragments of paper to tell stories of history, identity, and diversity, Armstrong captures the beauty of life’s many layers.
Agoreyo’s voice
Using recycled paper symbolises renewal and transformation for me—turning discarded materials into something beautiful and meaningful.
The Queen Idia mask from Edo State, Benin City, celebrates my rich cultural heritage while emphasizing environmental sustainability. By transforming waste into art, I highlight the potential of repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to environmental degradation. I see the Queen Idia mask as not just a symbol of power, wisdom, and resilience, but also as a testament to the importance of recycling and the harmonious relationship between art, nature, and tradition.
In my work, Unity in Diversity represents Nigeria’s many ethnic groups through abstract facial images. Each face, crafted entirely from tiny bits of paper waste, symbolizes our diverse yet interconnected communities, all sharing a unified space. This piece reflects the idea that despite our individual differences, we can come together to live harmoniously, just as these fragmented pieces form a cohesive whole. By converting discarded paper into art, I emphasize the value of recycling in today’s society, promoting sustainability while celebrating cultural diversity and unity in a shared environment.
The Gaze is another piece I’ve created from tiny bits of paper, portraying a woman’s face locked in a poignant, sorrowful stare. Her expression reflects deep sadness, capturing a moment of emotional intensity and vulnerability. This artwork explores the emotional depth of human experience while also highlighting the environmental importance of repurposing waste. Through this transformation of paper into art, I aim to promote sustainability and create a powerful narrative of inner reflection and resilience.
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