Ian Woods — Layer Cake
American artist Ian Woods is a photo-collage artist who uses photography in layered, cutout compositions to create new and striking images. His process is to layer two images on top of one another, to sketch out a pattern on the top images, and then cut that shape away using an exacto knife to reveal the second photo below. He then glues the top and base images together.
His work focuses on celebrities, and is primarily appears in editorial uses. His works portray Zendaya, Rihanna, FKA Twigs, Bjork, and others, in magazines like I-D, New York Times, Bon Apetit.
The vibrancy and fluidity of the forms suggests his current home of Palm Bay, Florida. The negative forms look like spilt liquid that, much like a small pond acting as a mirror pool, reflects another world - familiar but strange, alluring but odd. It also calls to mind other organic inspirations, like heat waves, smoke, and ripples in water. The base imagery is beautiful, but Woods’ treatment adds a dimension of design beauty and organic intrigue to these works. His compositions enhance the photography they feature, and invite repeat viewings which do not disappoint.
Imperfect images and all, the work of Ian Woods is a layered treat of design, image, and form. A visual layer cake to stimulate viewer’s senses.
