Erin Delsigne, a film collage artist renowned for her captivating instant film collages, takes us on a mesmerizing journey into the realm of nature through her unique artistic approach. Using Polaroid and Fuji Instax film, Delsigne creates psychedelic landscapes and surreal portraiture that captivate the viewer’s imagination and evoke a sense of wonder. In this article, we delve into Delsigne’s artistic process and the profound themes she explores.
Nature is the central subject matter in Delsigne’s collages, connecting it with the concept of healing and providing a distinctive perspective on living with a mysterious illness. Through her art, Delsigne delves into the intricate interplay between pain and joy, inquiry and inspiration, offering a personal and universal reflection on the human condition.
Delsigne’s artistic vision revolves around creating space and distance that simultaneously feels familiar and ambiguous. By abstracting and decontextualizing her experiences, she constructs an artistic language that represents both isolation and room for growth in insulation. This delicate balance between familiarity and abstraction draws the viewer into a world that echoes our own yet challenges our perceptions.
Collage photography serves as Delsigne’s chosen medium to convey her surrealist message. She employs this artistic technique to bridge the gap between the universal human condition and the inherent lack of empathy towards chronic illness that exists within our natural human instinct. Through juxtaposing images and manipulating visual elements, Delsigne invites us to question and explore our empathy and understanding of those living with chronic illness.
The experimental use of instant film techniques plays a pivotal role in enhancing the thematic essence of Delsigne’s work. These techniques not only enrich the narrative of her stories but also embrace the inherent risks associated with suddenness, reliability, and stability. By embracing these uncertainties, Delsigne adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue to her art, reflecting the unpredictable nature of life itself.
To capture her captivating polaroids, Delsigne utilizes a custom-converted Mamiya Universal Press camera with a Rezivot back. This setup allows her to seamlessly work with i-Type, Sx-70, and 600 Polaroid films, enabling her to unleash her creativity with precision and finesse.
Erin Delsigne’s artistic journey began in 2018 when she embarked on the path of creating instant film collages as a means to bridge the gap in understanding her controversial battle with Lyme Disease. Her education from Humboldt State University and Cal State Long Beach, where she studied a range of photographic disciplines, including photojournalism, black and white film, digital, and commercial photography, has greatly influenced her unique approach to art.
As we immerse ourselves in the otherworldly beauty of Erin Delsigne’s instant film collages, we are transported to a mysterious realm where nature intertwines with healing and the familiar merges with the abstract. Through her artistic vision, Delsigne invites us to contemplate our relationship with chronic illness and challenges us to empathize and understand, ultimately fostering a greater sense of compassion and connection within ourselves and the world around us.