Museum admission is free.

Unconventional Portraiture | Virtual Drop-In Experience

Due to CAMH’s suspension of in-person public gatherings, a modified presentation of this art-making activity premiered online.

Using collage-based materials, create an experimental self-portrait inspired by the unconventional photography and remixing of materials in the exhibition Slowed and Throwed: Records of the City Through Mutated Lenses.

Below is our instructional guide for hosting our Drop-In Experience activity at home.



Materials

Paper for collaging (magazines, scrap paper, newspaper, catalogues, photos)

Paper-based materials for background (paper plates, paper bags, cardboard)

Adhesive (craft glue, tape, glue sticks) 

Tape (masking, painter’s tape, clear tape)

Scissors


Instructions

01. GATHER MATERIALS

Find a place at home where you can safely lay out your materials and comfortably work on your artwork. Make sure you have a suitable background like cardboard or sturdy paper and enough materials to assemble your self-portrait collage.

02. FIND AND CUT IMAGES

Using your magazines and other source materials, find shapes and images you would like to combine to create your self-portrait. Use images that convey more than just physical attributes. Let the collage communicate as much of your personality as you feel.

03. ASSEMBLE PORTRAIT

Using your background, begin assembling your portrait without adhesive. Play with different shapes. How do they interact? What do they communicate in relationship with each other?

04. GLUE TO SURFACE

When you are happy with your composition, begin pasting or taping down your images. Be sure to layer your shapes in the correct sequence, as not to disturb your intended image.

05. SHARE

Take a picture and share your portrait on your favorite social media platforms! Be sure to tag us and use the hashtags #MuseumFromHome and #ConnectWithCAMH.


About Virtual Drop-In Experiences

CAMH’s Virtual Drop-In Experiences feature instructions for pop-up activities you can do at home. Each hands-on activity provides creative opportunities to experience current exhibitions from a distance in a unique and meaningful way.

Led by our FAQ Team (Frequently Asked Questions), a group of artists and historians who assist with contextualizing CAMH’s dynamic exhibitions for diverse audiences. Virtual Drop-In Experiences are released on our website at 1PM every Saturday. All ages, always free.