NYC junk dolls turn to art

Annie Collinge makes NYC junk dolls into attention-grabbing works of art in her newest collection. Collinge’s project titled, Five Inches of Limbo, consists of portraits and short poems comprised of photos Collinge took of people she met on the subway and streets, juxtaposed to resembling dolls found at junk shops around NYC. 

The resemblance between the women and dolls in Five Inches of Limbo, is noticed through the models outfits, stance and surroundings. Each portrait, along with the resembling dolls, share a quirky style giving an enjoyable tone throughout the collection. 

The expression of the photographs is provoked through the color, outfits and stance of the women and their parallel dolls. Each piece captivates a different feel, which alters the viewing experience with each image. 

Alongside the photographs, and on the cover of the publication, feature five poems written by award-winning author Margaret Atwood. 

“Behind glass in Mexico this clay doll draws its lips back in a snarl; despite its beautiful dusty shawl it wishes to be dangerous,” is the opening poem by Atwood, on the publication. 

Five Inches of Limbo was designed by French art director, Claire Huss. The publication had launched on Thursday, March 5th at Ti Pi Tin books in London. 

WRITTEN BY: MAISOON SALAMA

PHOTO CREDIT: ANNIE COLLING