Rewriting the Classics Through Collage
Konjaku Monogatari — a compilation of anecdotal Buddhist setsuwa narratives divided by region and theme — contains over 1000 tales and is over 1000 years old. This hefty, classical piece of literature, originally performed and recorded in the Heian era, is a cultural cornerstone of Japan, and has since spawned countless different adaptations that remain relevant in even the modern age of media.
Like any other classical work, radical changes and structural upheaval are crucial in order for the literary work to continue to engage with new audiences. After all, as generations pass, there are a limited few who actually enjoy sitting down and reading a behemoth of a text in its original, classical language (the same can be said for those electing to read The Illiad in Classical Greek, or a work like Beowulf in Medieval English) — not only is the written language hardly readable for modern audiences, but even churning through a handful of pages can be a chore.
Adaptations, therefore, can help breathe new life into the brilliancy of tales from the past. Transformations into different types of media or shifts in themes can increase relevancy and elevate engagement with the audience. And while some purists might theorize that remaining as faithful to the original work as possible creates the most effective form of adaptations, others praise work that metamorphosizes, and is capable of shedding its old skin in order to reach a potent new potential all of its own.
This adaption, similarly titled Konjaku, is of the latter group — only the most tenuous of ties remain binding the original setsuwa narratives to the pop-art collage artworks in the adaptions. Imagination is encouraged. Inspiration is abstract. Rather than literally depict critical scenes from each narrative, the art endeavors to embody key themes or emotionally poignant portions of the original work.
The idea is that these starkly modern interpretations can better interact with a wider audience and help to spread awareness of the original Konjaku stories without being burdened by literal adaptations of the text.
One of the largest inspirations for the Konjaku collection comes from zine culture. Cult, underground, and possessing a gritty, home-made quality, zines are an art medium capable of being easily shared with alternative, artistic communities. Content can be focused on a wide array of different narratives, with no concern for being commercially viable due to the self-published nature of the zine. In short, unleashed freedom meets inspired creativity.
With monochromatic hues and bold red accents, these adaptations are bold and attention-grabbing. They certainly don’t feel reminiscent of outdated, stuffy styles of art.
So what’s key to creating your own adaptations of classical works?
- Forget the past, focus on the present: Don’t get held up on following the original work to a T. Embrace changes and fearlessly follow wherever the new work takes you.
- Find the essentials: Convert the core and cut the details. Whether it’s specific themes, characters, or emotions you’re more emotionally compelled by, use only what you’re interested in. The rest can remain where it is.
- Be brave: Try new styles, like popping colors or textured material. Transform an opera into a hip-hop discography. Disassemble a novel into a photography collection. Explore what you like in the medium that suits you best.
And just like that, you’re off — revitalizing the classics, whether through collage or whatever, is one step closer than before.
Work from this collection is available to purchase on: https://society6.com/halfrats