While the artwork of collage artist Derek Gores might at first glance resemble a collision of unrelated images placed helter-skelter, they soon reveal edgy, evocative compositions that captivate his viewers. The coalesced images in each collage always hold numerous hide-and-seek surprises for the viewer.
“When creating collage, I start with assorted photo references from moments I’ve photographed, and then I reconstruct them abstractly. I’ll sketch on a blank canvas, then build the shapes with scraps of paper, never knowing ahead of time which scraps I’ll need,” says Gores, explaining his process.
He keeps bins of metallic and colorful paper, photographs and newspaper print, and can quickly recognize whether a scrap will be of significance.
“Eventually a mix of surreal spaces, daring figurative poses, typography, vintage patterns, maps, song lyrics, etc., are chosen until the pieces eventually jell,” says Gores.
His work will be front and center at two upcoming events and can also be viewed at his Derek Gores Gallery in Melbourne.
Gores was chosen once again to create the commemorative artwork for the 2026 Windsor Charity Polo Cup, being held Feb. 14. He had also been selected to create the 2014 Polo Cup commemorative poster.
This year’s equestrian-themed “Nature Wonders” artwork features a polo pony silhouette layered with imagery reflecting Windsor’s own landscape, architecture and equestrian culture.
It is being used as the Polo Cup’s limited-edition poster, and his original work will be auctioned during the biennial event, with proceeds benefiting this year’s recipients, Childcare Resources of Indian River County, Crossover Mission and the Environmental Learning Center.
Gores will also be the featured guest artist at Gallery 14 in Vero Beach. His ‘Cut and Paste Paradise’ exhibit from Feb. 3-27 will feature new collage pieces in his signature style.
A graduate of one of the country’s most prestigious art schools, Rhode Island School of Design, Gores acknowledges how incredibly fortunate he was to attend the top-notch school. He appreciated that the school offered differing viewpoints in myriad subjects such as painting, illustration, graphic design, architecture and industrial design, while frequently challenging students to navigate solutions to projects.
“I was an illustration major, but had my mind opened with more painterly approaches, drawing with both hands at once, and a Zen approach to storytelling. Collage for me feels like elapsed time, rather than a frozen moment. Maybe a stream of consciousness diary of the subject’s thoughts and memories,” says Gores.
That stream of consciousness is evident in the implied haute ambiance of his “Smoke Signals,” featuring a cigar and a glass of red wine resting on a white tablecloth. Gores created the reflection of a woman inside the glass with the skillful placement of colorful scraps and his imagination.
“The shapes of the lights and shadows help us be reasonably sure we can make out the larger image, but the real fun is in the rabbit holes of confusing depth perception that show up in the details. Most of my pieces feature a woman, independent and content, heading somewhere,” Gore explains.
It is also true with “Lunar Legend,” which depicts an American astronaut hoisting the American flag. The whole collage emanates a tribute to this hero and the country, with the words, possibility and action clearly visible.
Viewers can lose themselves as they try to reimagine all the various images and, ultimately, interpret what they see.
Gores created the cover collage of Hugh Hefner for the special edition of Playboy magazine and has also created works for Morgan Stanely, Longines, Prada, along with other top brands, magazine covers, events and private clients. He uses their photos, articles, maps or other historical items from the client to create works that are unique and fresh.
“Two memorable clients were a collaboration with Porsche, where I collaged a large mural for Art Basel Miami using Porsche’s bold ads of the 1970s to ’80s,” says Gores.
There are no limits or boundaries to his artwork, which speaks to American patrons as well as international audiences.
“I also had the honor of being the first artist in residence at Hotel Bel-Air in Beverly Hills. This is where Marilyn Monroe had her final photo shoot. Seeing that idyllic space hidden away in bustling Los Angeles made me want to honor Marilyn in a contemplative image of her reading.”
To a novice, creating a collage by simply pasting pieces of paper together may seem easy.
But as any artistic soul knows, there is considerably more that goes into the process. For example, colors, lines, images, and even deciding when the piece is complete, are just some of the countless decisions Gores faces during their construction.
“I stop when the art is on the edge. Where we can tell what it is and is about to fall apart, before the edges of objects get too clear. I want our eyes to have to work,” he explains.
“Also, I always find a scrap that makes the piece transform; a scrap that contradicts the object in some way, fighting to take the lead,” says Gores, noting that the biggest struggle is seeing all the possibilities.
Gores says he can complete several smaller collages in one day, whereas portraits and larger collages may take weeks to finish.
“I’m enjoying being more local or you could say more present. Collage is my way to be present. Scrap moments with their own origin and context, combining for something new. It’s also my way to be better than skill, to adapt to what’s at hand and build on history,” says Gores.
“I’m always experimenting with my process and not let my brain get too comfortable. The best stuff happens on the edge of control.”
Photos by Joshua Kodis
