What is Assemblage art?

Assemblage is a three-dimensional artistic technique combining found objects, fragments, and diverse materials into unified compositions. Emerging from collage and Dada practices, assemblage became important to Surrealism through artists creating Surrealist objects. Joseph Cornell’s boxed assemblages containing found images, objects, and materials exemplify the poetic potential of combining disparate elements. The technique allows artists to create meaning through juxtaposition, bringing real-world objects and their associations into artistic contexts. Assemblage influenced Pop Art, Neo-Dada, and contemporary mixed media practice. The approach continues in sculpture and installation art exploring material culture and unconscious associations.