Description

Upon first look at the electrifying cover of The Collages of Robert M. Swedroe 2006-2011, the viewer’s response is that it introduces a charming picture book of colorful, whimsical collages. But the collage art of this book goes far beyond. In almost 125 pages of full color images of architect/artist Robert Swedroe’s collages and assemblages, a treasure trove of intricate, magnetic creations captures the full attention of the viewer. What the viewer sees on the surface of these imaginative pieces is tantamount to the first few pages of an intriguing mystery novel that compels the reader to continue reading. The more one studies the collages, the more one is privy to the captivating imagination of this 77 year old, practicing architect. Robert constructs his work entirely alone, singularly cutting even the most finite pictures with his indispensable X-Acto knifes. He selects objects from categorized boxes housing a diversity of hundreds of items collected by family and friends. Materials such as semi-precious stones and used computer parts add to the expansive dimensionality while complementing storied pictures from pages of used art catalogues. They are fodder for the visions that evolve. Most of his bold works undergo many layers of resin, which further enhance the brilliance of the breathtaking application of color.

With his architect’s precision, the artist fits his work into six categories. Described within the book’s 4 pages of text about the artist’s fascinating personal history, they are Narrative, Cyber, Celestial, Reflections, Container and Tube Series. During an earlier incarnation as a collage artist, Robert’s work was exclusively Narrative, or storytelling. But as illustrated in his popular Cyber series, his collage art has evolved to reflect today’s age of technology.