Montage Vs. Collage: Meaning And How To Use Each One

Are montage and collage the same? What is the difference between a montage and a collage? And how do montage and collage differ? Most learners have common questions about these artistic techniques, and we are happy to help out in this montage vs. collage article.

A montage is a form of art where the artist puts together various small elements such as pictures, music, videos, or texts to create a more extensive or composite work. On the other hand, collage entails the composition of materials or elements posted over a surface.

That clearly shows the confusion between “montage” and “collage,” and it’s simply because these two techniques are closely linked. These art forms apply in different artistic settings like photography, film, sound, and literature. We have compiled well-researched data about montage and collage to enlighten you on when to use each.

Definitions Of Montage And Collage

Considering the connection between “montage” and “collage” as a form of art whose techniques are connected, the best way to find the difference between these words is by learning their definition. The definition of words is vital as they give meaning and help us understand their part of speech. Once you get this information, you will know how to use each word correctly.

Definitions Of Montage

The definition of “montage” is a composite of work created by putting together various elements. It also means combining sounds, videos, and texts to present an idea.

Montage also means an art that consists of a combination of pictures and objects. Some define the word as a striking and vivid representation in the form of a photograph.

Other websites define montage as an amazing creation that has various types of photographs, papers, and other media forms, all next to each other. Montage also means to combine or depict into a montage.

Definitions Of Collage

The meaning of collage is creative work resembling a composition incorporating various materials and elements. It is also the technique of composing a work of art by putting together multiple materials not generally associated with one another.

Another way to define collage is assembling diverse elements or fragments together in unlikely or unexpected juxtaposition.

In videography, a collage is a film that presents a series of seemingly unrelated scenes, images, or shifts from one scene or idea to another without any transitional. The term also means to make a collage of something.

How To Properly Use Montage And Collage In A Sentence

Learning to use words in sentences is just as important as understanding their definitions. In that case, we will discuss how you can use the words “montage” and “collage” in your sentences below.

How To Use The Word Montage

When constructing your sentences using the word “montage,” remember that this word could either be a noun or a verb depending on how you use it.

Use montage as a noun to refer to;

• Art that combines various smaller pictures to create a more extensive work. 
• A series of separate still or moving images edited together to make a continuous sequence.
• Pieces of paper or photographs glued together to form an artistic image.
• Selecting, editing, and piecing together a separate section of films to help form a continuous whole.
• A sequence of a film made using the montage technique.
• A composite product with some fragments of music, texts, or pictures.
• As a verb, montage refers to the art of combining and depicting into a montage.

How To Use The Word Collage

Just like “montage,” the word “collage” can be a noun or a verb depending on how you can use it in your sentences.

Use collage as a noun to refer to;

• Pictures that you create by sticking images together on a surface
• A composite object or collection created by assembling various meads for various works of art like film and text. In a sentence, “Richard Brautigan’s novel is a collage of memories.”
• The technique of producing a work of art that is a collage
• A picture made by sticking together pieces of paper or photographs in a way that seems unusual
• Any composite object (abstract or concrete) created by assembling various components
• A collection of various things someone might have

When To Use Montage And Collage

Montage is a special kind of collage, but unlike collage, which is the action of taking various elements and pasting them together, montage is the art of assembly.

Therefore, montage is an advanced form of collage. Use these words when referring to the artistic composition of combining different pictures, prints, or media into one pictorial element or surface.

Montage vs. Collage: Pronunciation And History Explained

The word montage comes from the Soviet Montage Theory, an influential film movement developed by the Soviet Union in the 20th century. Sergei Mikhailovich Eisenstein, a Soviet Film director, film editor, screenwriter, and film theorist, developed the theory.

Sergei got the idea from his film teacher Lev Kusleshov, a film director and the founder of the Moscow Film School. Kuleshov developed a film theory known as Kuleshov effects that states that you receive more meaning from two shots side by side than from one single shot. Sergei then expounded on this by creating a montage.

The earliest form of collage dates back to 200 B.C. when Japanese calligraphers glued together pieces of fabric and paper to create papers they could use for their poetry.

It advanced to medieval times when people perceived religion as more than a way of connecting to God; it was a whole belief system. During this time, the artist started embellishing religious art by using fibers, gemstones, artifacts, and bits of precious metal.

By the 19th century, photos were a popular medium of collage, and most people considered this more of a craft than art.

One of the earliest users of collage is Hans Christian Anderson, who used this art form to illustrate his book in the 19th century. By the 20th century, several artists used collages in their work. By 2000, software designers had collage software in the development stages.

Pronunciation

You must also learn to pronounce “montage” and “collage.” The correct pronunciation of montage is “/ˈmɑːn.tɑːʒ/ or maan·taazh.” The correct pronunciation of collage is “kɑː.lɑːʒ or kuh·laazh.”

Here Are Sentences With The Words Montage And Collage

Learn more about these words by having first-hand information on how to use them in sentences. We have compiled a list of sentences to help you better understand these words.

Example sentences of the word montage

1. I could not handle the production because it required a complex video montage.
2. The photo montage was the centerpiece of the art show.
3. The students made an impressive montage from the individual pieces they were given.
4. She said that montage was not a new idea and not at all creative.
5. The company is hiring montage specialists. Would you like to apply?

Example sentences with the word collage

1. I saw a beautiful collage dress at the store.
2. Make a collage of people you admire and put it on your vision board.
3. The kids made a collage birthday card for their classmate.
4. I was not too fond of the collage of the delirious sounds.
5. I am not a fan of collage art; do not involve me in your projects.

Montage vs. Collage: The Verdict

Montage and collage are both valid English words. These words refer to how people combine pictures, sounds, art, and films from different collections to create one creative image or video. Luckily, this article has explained the differences between these words and how to use them in sentences.