(1983-1984)

In Transfixions, Kaplan used collage to situate figures from famous art historical images in modern settings. For example, in the fashion designer rooms, historical figures and angels lurk in the place of models. There is much to observe in these photo-collage images, not just visually, but socially and politically.

Collage is an adventure in matchmaking. My characters, taken from Renaissance paintings, find themselves ‘matched’ in unfamiliar surroundings — contemporary ‘life style’ magazines for the rich. The women act out their stereotyped roles of Madonna, mistress, princess, maidservant, while the men remain in positions of power—royalty, religious elite, wealthy bachelors. The resulting mix is rich with narcissism, love, politics, and mischief making. — Nomi Kaplan