Existing comment:
Billy Al Bengston (b. 1934, American)
Mail art to an unknown number of recipients, 1973
Billy Al Bengston is an artist living in Venice, California. Known for his flamboyant personality and creative exuberance, he was a protagonist of the West Coast postwar art scene. The playful humor of his practice is evident in this mail art postcard. It is presented as a request for ideas for an exhibition announcement, but because it includes all the relevant show information, it actually serves as the announcement itself. Even if the recipients had no intention of sending Bengston ideas for his mailer, they've still learned all the details about the exhibition and have been invited to it. The card is an example not only of Bengston's wit, but also of how the mail art network served its participants -- as an avenue for self-promotion, personal connection, and communication.
-- Jessica Perry |