The waiting room 

Nieves Mingueza created this collage, "The Waiting Room," with paper and glue. The original photographs appear to be sourced from everyday life, perhaps from magazines or newspapers. The torn edges and monochromatic tones add to the work's material impact, emphasizing its layered construction. By juxtaposing different images, Mingueza constructs a narrative that is both fragmented and suggestive. The dark, ambiguous top section contrasts with the detailed depiction of a couple, creating a sense of anticipation. The physical act of cutting, pasting, and assembling transforms the source materials. This approach elevates the act of making to be as important as the image itself. Collage is a medium often associated with accessibility. It blurs the boundary between fine art and the quotidian practices of crafting and homemaking. Ultimately, the power of "The Waiting Room" lies in its capacity to evoke emotion through the manipulation of found materials. It asks us to reconsider the value we place on artistic skill and the meaning we find in the everyday.