My work explores the fragments of our lives—pieces of history, culture, and memory that form the foundation of our existence. These fragments, captured in text, images, and objects, are echoes of the lives we lead. Rather than embracing the notion of a singular, complete self, my work reflects the idea that we are multifaceted and dynamic beings. We are not a perfect whole, rather we are a collection of moments, choices, and experiences, constantly shifting and growing. To be human is to embody multiplicity, to exist within overlapping, often contradictory systems of meaning.
My approach to collage mirrors the complexity of these systems. By layering paint, collage, ink transfers, scans, and found paper, I create works that are as intricate and multifaceted as the identities they reflect. These materials overlap, obscure, and reveal, forming a chaotic yet cohesive whole that echoes the systems of thought, memory, and experience that shape who we are. The text, documents, and photographs embedded in my work act as records of the human presence—artifacts that trace the passage of lives through the written word, captured images, and objects of daily use. These fragments are the evidence we leave behind, a testament to our existence in fleeting moments.
The densely layered surfaces of my pieces do not seek to simplify or resolve the complexity of life but to honor it. They invite viewers to engage with the textures, colors, and layers, to uncover hidden details, and to find resonance in the stories embedded within. These fragments, once isolated and disparate, join together to form a larger narrative—one that is as chaotic, beautiful, and layered as the human experience itself.
Ultimately, my work transfigures these fragments into more than artifacts. They become celebrations of the intricacies that define us, reminding us that identity is not a fixed endpoint but a constantly evolving tapestry woven from the echoes of our lives.
Raymond Gabriel 