Create + Connect: Collage, identity and storytelling

Marking International Women’s Day, this participatory collage workshop invites students to explore creativity as a feminist act. In particular, it centres expression, reflection, and self-representation.

Local art collector Julie Elizabeth leads the session and introduces collage as both an artistic practice and a form of visual storytelling. Historically, women artists have used collage to question dominant narratives, reclaim identity, and amplify alternative voices.

To begin, the workshop opens with a short introduction to collage in art. During this introduction, the session references artists such as Romare Bearden, Wangechi Mutu, and Francis Bacon. Afterward, the focus shifts into guided, hands-on making.

During the workshop, participants will work intuitively with paper, imagery, colour, and texture. They will experiment with composition, layering, and mixed media. In response to an identity-centred prompt, each participant will create a personal collage.

Importantly, the session remains accessible and time-bound. It prioritises process over perfection. As a result, participants trust instinct, embrace experimentation, and reflect while making.

All materials are provided. Participants will leave with a completed artwork to take home or display on the noticeboard, and the workshop concludes with a shared moment of reflection on process, discovery, and creative voice.

Open to Republic students. No prior art experience required.