Untitled 1957

Emerson Woelffer made this untitled collage in 1957 from torn paper and pencil. The geometric shapes are roughly sketched, as if he’s figuring out a puzzle. The pencil marks are visible but not labored over, giving a sense of freedom and spontaneity. The materiality of the torn paper is so important here. The jagged edges and rough texture create a tactile experience. Look at the central piece of paper; the numbers and letters scrawled on it are like a secret code, adding a layer of mystery to the composition. The contrast between the smooth lines of the pencil and the raw edges of the paper creates a dynamic tension. It reminds me of the way Kurt Schwitters used collage to create order out of chaos. Woelffer’s collage feels like a conversation, a push-and-pull between control and chance, inviting us to embrace the beauty of imperfection.