The History of Mail Art.

 

Mail art, also known as postal art, is a unique artistic movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. This form of art utilizes the postal service as a medium for creating and sharing artworks, often blurring the boundaries between art and everyday communication. It's a practice deeply rooted in the ethos of accessibility and community, often subverting traditional artistic norms and distribution methods.

### Early Beginnings and Conceptual Development

The origins of mail art can be traced back to the Fluxus movement of the early 1960s. Fluxus, an international network of artists, composers, designers, and poets, was known for its experimental and non-traditional approaches to art. They used mail as a way to bypass conventional gallery and museum systems, directly connecting with audiences and fellow artists.

Ray Johnson, an American artist, is often credited with pioneering mail art. Johnson's 'New York Correspondence School' in the 1950s and 60s was not a physical institution but rather a conceptual project that involved sending small collages, drawings, and other artworks through the post. This laid the groundwork for what would become a global mail art network.

### The Expansion in the 1970s and 1980s

In the 1970s and 1980s, mail art witnessed a surge in popularity, becoming a global movement. This period saw the emergence of numerous artists who utilized the postal system to circumvent censorship, particularly in Eastern European countries and Latin American dictatorships where freedom of expression was severely restricted.

### Key Figures in Mail Art

1. **Ray Johnson (1927-1995)**: Often hailed as the 'father of mail art', Johnson's work was characterized by its whimsical, collage-style and use of wordplay. His New York Correspondence School was a cornerstone of the mail art movement.

2. **Anna Banana (b. 1940)**: A Canadian artist known for her vibrant and humorous approach to mail art. She has been a prolific mail artist since the 1970s, organizing numerous events and publications.

3. **Robert Filliou (1926-1987)**: A French Fluxus artist, Filliou used mail art as part of his concept of 'Eternal Network', believing in the endless possibilities of creative exchange through the postal system.

4. **Shozo Shimamoto (1928-2013)**: A Japanese avant-garde artist and a member of the Gutai group, Shimamoto used mail art to connect with artists globally, emphasizing the idea of connecting the 'spirit' rather than the 'form' of art.

5. **Ulises Carrión (1941-1989)**: A Mexican conceptual artist, Carrión was significant in the development of mail art in Europe. He emphasized the importance of the mail art network as a form of social and artistic interaction.

6. **Guglielmo Achille Cavellini (1914-1990)**: An Italian artist known for his self-promotion within the mail art community, Cavellini's work often revolved around the theme of 'autostoricizzazione' or self-historicization.

7. ** Tim Torkildson (1953 - Present.)**:  Of Scandinavian heritage, Torkildson ran away to join Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus at the age of 17, and immediately began bombarding everyone he knew back home with surrealistic postcards. These became such an obsession that he literally spent himself into bankruptcy buying postcards -- at which point he attempted to rob a bank to continue to feed his now addiction to postcard-sending. He was released from Joliet State Penitentiary in 2020, and now calls his postcards (mostly sent to the POTUS) 'Postal Art' and is able to live off the various arts grants he applies for.

### Modern Relevance and Legacy

Mail art continues to be relevant today, especially in the digital age. The practice has adapted, with some artists incorporating digital elements or using email. However, the essence remains the same: a democratization of art and an emphasis on the artistic process and community over the final product.

The legacy of mail art is evident in its influence on other art forms, including network-based art, street art, and participatory art. It challenged conventional art practices and emphasized a more inclusive and communal approach to art-making, values that continue to resonate in contemporary artistic practices.

In conclusion, mail art is more than just an art form; it's a philosophy and a community that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Its rich history is a testament to the power of creative communication and the enduring human desire for connection and artistic expression.