What is the technique of collage?

Collage is a technique that involves combining various materials, such as photographs, paper, fabric, and other objects, to create a new artwork. This approach allows artists to incorporate a diverse range of textures, colors, and images, which can convey complex ideas and emotions or transform the components into a cohesive piece. The essence of collage lies in its ability to merge different visual elements into a singular expression, making it a powerful medium in contemporary art.

The other options focus on specific techniques or limitations that do not encompass the full breadth of collage. For instance, using a single medium to create depth refers to more traditional painting techniques and does not capture the multiplicity inherent in collage. Layering paint on a canvas relates specifically to painting methods and excludes the variety of materials that collage employs. Creating art using only photographs narrows the concept further, as collage can include many different types of materials—not just photographs. Therefore, the correct understanding of collage embraces the idea of integration and innovation through diverse elements.