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Ernesto Beckford
Collages & Stories
Last Updated 09-20-2023
Controversial Dispute
This hand-made collage portrays two men sitting back-to-back, a pose that represents a disagreement between then and emotional separation. The tension is palpable. The clothing worn by the two men is crafted from disturbing and surreal images extracted from Hieronymus Bosch's iconic painting, "The Garden of Earthly Delights." This choice of imagery adds an eerie and disconcerting dimension to the piece and symbolizes the weight of their disagreement. Collage made from old books, bits and pieces of paper, watercolor and imagination.
Modern Orthodox Deity
Surreal rendition of a Greek Orthodox altar piece, depicting a deity in a dress. The piece explores the interconnection between religion, masculinity, and sexual fluidity. Original Collage Size: 12" x 9.5"
Red Moon Love
The collage painting depicts two star-crossed lovers on a romantic night, under the moon's light. The woman is wearing a brown dress with black trimming, revealing her high neck and her red face, which is in the surreal style and depicts the moon. Her eyes are blue like diamonds. The man is handsome, a troubadour, completely and eerily drawn in black and white, except for a colorful left eye. The surreal piece speaks to us of the yin and yang that often exists in romantic relationships, which serves both to bind and separate. Original Collage Size: 9.5" x 13"
Purple Prom Night
The young man in this portrait stands out like a beacon in the dark, his striking red hair and bluish eyes catching the light and drawing the attention of everyone in the room. He is dressed to the nines for his prom night, his outfit a beautiful and unique purple coat and pant combination that seems to be made of a patchwork of different fabrics. The sleeves of his coat are lined in delicate lace, and he holds a matching lace handkerchief in his hand. He seems to have stepped out of the baroque days of Beethoven, with a modernized take on the classic look that suits our contemporary tastes perfectly. The bright splash of blue behind his head is a striking contrast to the pitch darkness of the rest of the background, making him stand out even more. He is stepping out, ready to dance, to impress, to conquer the night. Original Collage Size: 9.5" x 6.5"
Duality
This portrait collage illustrates the intricate interplay of backgrounds, ethnicities, attitudes, and histories that shape everyone. The central figure in the collage showcases an array of conflicting features – varying skin tones, distinct eye colors, and mismatched clothing. These visual elements symbolize his diverse genealogy and the complex interplay of countless influences in his life. The collage represents the multifaceted backgrounds that many of us carry within our bloodlines and upbringing. These diverse influences give rise to a profound duality, which manifests within ourselves – sometimes as a weighty burden or internal conflict – and in how we present ourselves to others. Handmade collage using paper and soft pastels. Size 11.5” x 8.5
Train to the Beach
Surreal journey on a train, travelling to the beach. Handmade, paper collage.
The Island Laminated
Imaginative collage depicting a young woman on an island. A magical view. Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, magazines and old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Saint Sebastian Laminated
Saint Sebastian was an early Christian saint and martyr. He was tied to a tree and shot with arrows, though this did not kill him. This collage updates San Sebastian to show the beauty of his martyrdom. Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, magazines and old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Gainsborough Guitar
Imaginative portrait of a modern-age young woman playing the 18th Century English Guitar, in the style of Thomas Gainsborough. Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, watercolor, and magazines plus old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Orange and Black
Many paintings depict women, in beautiful settings of flowers and feminine allure. This collage depicts such a woman, but in the role of a lady judge. The collage uses primarily an orange, black and white palette to depict this story. In the center of the collage, a woman, regal and commanding, stands tall in the role of a lady judge. Her presence exudes confidence and authority as she gazes sternly ahead, a symbol of strength and equality. Dressed in a judicial robe that cascades gracefully around her, she challenges traditional perceptions, seamlessly blending the worlds of femininity and justice. To the right of the central figure, a burst of vibrant orange flowers blooms in a garden of lush greens. The flowers symbolize the beauty that can emerge even in the most austere settings, a reminder that justice can thrive amidst the most challenging circumstances. On the left side of the collage, the color palette shifts to a bold black and white. Here, the lady judge is portrayed in a courtroom, a scene captured in the essence of monochrome. The stark contrast of black and white reinforces the gravity of the moment, emphasizing the weight of the decisions being made. The collage masterfully weaves these color elements together. The orange hues from the floral garden blend into the central portrayal of the lady judge, symbolizing the harmonious union of feminine allure and authoritative command. The black and orange color palette infuses the artwork with both energy and depth, accentuating the narrative of a woman who challenges conventions and emerges as a beacon of justice in an elegant and powerful tapestry of imagery.
Veiled Woman
Surreal portrait of a veiled woman. Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, a splash of watercolor, and images from magazines and old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Through the Looking Glass
Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, imagination, splashes of watercolor, and old magazines and books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, imagination, splashes of watercolor, and old magazines and books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, imagination, splashes of watercolor, and old magazines and books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Dignity
Portrait exploring the elegance and dignity of an older gentleman with soulful eyes.
Handmade collage using oil pastels, paper, and old magazines that smell of smoke and coffee.
Handmade collage using oil pastels, paper, and old magazines that smell of smoke and coffee.
Ephemeral Images
Portrait of a disconnected couple. Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, watercolor, magazines, and old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Two Portraits
Surreal portraits of a mother and child, constructed with torn paper. The mother wears a beautiful red cape dress. The son wears an old fashioned suit. Their expression is inquisitive, tired, soulful. They seem to come from another era, perhaps from a farm in the 1800s. They are mixed race, neither whit nor black but a bit of each. They are each staring at you, the portrait taker.
Cruising
Collage capturing a moment of intrigue and attraction between two handsome men. The men's gaze towards each other is the focal point of the composition, capturing a moment of curiosity and attraction.
Building Stained Glass
Handmade collage exploring the imaginative beauty that gave rise to the art of making stained glass, and to the genius that goes into making every day art. Handmade collage, not using any AI (artificial intelligence). Paper, glue, watercolor, postcards, and old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Grey Hair
Portrait of an aging man, with greying hair and a green sweater. Handmade collage made from glue, bits and pieces of paper, watercolor and pastels, and old books and magazines that smell of smoke and coffee.
Seventies Vibe
oody, groovy and sensual young man, looking at you with that 1970s vibe. Handmade mixed media using pastels, watercolor, bits and pieces of paper and old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
The Bath
An elegant woman, clad in towels and robes, stepping out of a bath. Imaginative, handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, some watercolor, magazines, and old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Ripples
A portrait of imaginary family members and ancestors, floating in ripples of water, as if migrating through time. Handmade collage using paper, glue, watercolor, magazines and old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Fisherwoman
. Handmade collage symbolically depicting a fishwerwoman, with images of fishes and blue and white tones symbolizing the sea. Collage made from watercolor, glue, bits and pieces of paper and images from old books and magazines that smell of smoke and coffee.
Bridal Party
The bashful bride, dressed in white, the fun-loving bridesmaid, and cupid lurking in the shadows. Handmade collage using old books, bits and pieces of paper, and watercolor.
Green Eyes
The collage depicts a beautiful black woman with green eyes and brightly painted red lips. Her hair and dress have varying shades of green that match her eyes. The undulating waves of her hair are replicated in the various shapes in the print shirt she is wearing. Her eyes are alluring, calling you into her mysterious world. The background is painted with watercolors of bright golden yellows and patches of stripes and shapes in vibrant reds. Handmade collage on paper using watercolors, magazines, and old books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Wind Personafied
The collage represents the Wind personified as a swirling force of nature. At the center of the collage, Wind is depicted as a human-like figure with outstretched arms and swirling robes. The Wind is shown sailing in a sea of clouds, blowing gusts everywhere he goes. A basket of wind-swept cloths at his feet adds to the sense of motion and energy.
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