Mail Art

what is mail Art?

Mail art, also known as postal art or correspondence art, is a unique artistic movement that emerged in the 20th century. It involves the creation and exchange of artworks through the postal system. Artists use various mediums, including drawings, collages, prints, and writings, to create their pieces. These artworks are then sent by mail to other artists, often in a decentralized and non-commercial manner.

The history of mail art can be traced back to the early 1960s when artists sought alternative means of communication and artistic expression. One of the pioneers of mail art was Ray Johnson, an American artist who coined the term "New York Correspondence School" to describe his network of artistic exchanges. Mail art soon gained popularity as a way for artists to connect with one another across geographical and political boundaries, allowing for the exchange of ideas, creativity, and collaboration. The movement reached its peak in the 1970s and 1980s when artists from around the world participated in mail art projects and exhibitions.

Mail art holds significant importance within the art world for several reasons. Firstly, it challenges the traditional notion of art as a commodity by emphasizing the process and the act of exchange rather than the final artwork itself. It promotes the idea that art is for everyone and can be created and enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their formal training or access to galleries. Additionally, mail art fosters a sense of community among artists, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of diverse perspectives. By using the postal system as a medium, mail artists subvert institutional control and bypass the constraints of the art market, fostering a spirit of democratic and accessible artistic expression.

In conclusion, mail art is a vibrant artistic movement that emerged in the 20th century as a means of creative exchange and communication. It has a rich history, with artists like Ray Johnson playing a pivotal role in its development. Mail art is important for its ability to challenge traditional notions of art, foster community and collaboration, and promote the accessibility and inclusivity of artistic expression. Its legacy continues to inspire artists to explore alternative ways of engaging with one another and the world around them.

How to get involved

There are so many ways to get involved in the Mail Art Movement- that’s part of what makes mail art so great, it’s so accessible!

One way to get involved is by signing up for the Penticton Art gallery’s Mail Art Monday Workshops. These are monthly workshops where the Art Gallery Provides calls for artists, supplies, and postage to get you started on your mail art journey. Click the button below if this sounds interesting and you want to sign up!

Mail Art Monday Sign Up

Another way to get involved with mail art is to look for calls for artists. Galleries as well as individuals put these calls out when they are looking for people to contribute to their mail art shows. Sometimes these calls can be difficult to find, but luckily for you, lovely Art Gallery patron, if you keep scrolling you will find the Penticton Art gallery’s compiled list of current mail art calls.

Mail Art Calls

· Emergency of Beauty, A Tribute to true Love

o Due Date: 2024/01/30

o Theme: Create art around the theme of beauty and true love.

o Submissions Address: MAIL ART / Via dei vacciuoli 18r 17100 / Savona / Italy

o Show Dates: 2024/02/14 - 2024/03/14

o Maximum Dimensions: 8.3 x 11.7 in

· Alien Stuff

o Due Date: 2024/01/31

o Theme: This project promotes a culture of peaceful interaction between people, where the individual can be seen through the “alien distinctions” of freedom and non-conformity.

o Submissions Address: Attilio Fortini / Via Don G. Besenzoni, 11 / 24067 Sarnico BG / Italy

o Show Dates: online catalogue, exhibitions planned

o Dimensions: Free technique, free format, only one submission per person

o More Info: https://www.venusianpeople.com/alien-stuff

· What Makes You Happy?

o Due Date: 2024/02/02

o Theme: What Makes you happy?

o Submissions Address: Kunst&Coaching / Barbara Ihme / Bathausplatz 1 / 77791 Berghaupten, Germany

o Required Dimensions: 3.9 x 5.9 in

o More Info: ihme-art.com

· Carnations for Freedom (50th Anniversary of the end of the Portuguese Dicatatorship)

o Due Date: 2024/04/01