A Survey of Minimalist Mail-Art: Not Hi Ng (USA), Diane Keys (USA), Eduardo Cardoso (Portugal), Richard Canard (USA), Carina Granlund (Finland)

[De Villo Sloan]

   

Minimalist mail-art by IUOMA member Not Hi Ng (San Pablo, California, USA)

January 29, 2014 - The news that Ugly Duckling Press in New York has released a complete edition of Aram Saroyan’s minimal poems has created excitement in the Eternal Network. Minimalism has always had a presence in the network, due at least in part to the Fluxus influence. The occasion of this rediscovery and interest in Saroyan’s work led me to meditate upon mail-artists who are using minimalism in their current work.

I have three boxes of mail-art beside me, most received in the last six months, that are being prepared for the archives and/or blogging. I went through this material with an eye to determine which friends are minimalists or incorporating minimalism in their art. I found relatively few, although what I did find was impressive. Almost nothing was found to represent minimalism as it appears in the visual arts. The minimal work I found tended to be visual poetry; of course, I receive a great deal of visual poetry.

The following is a collection of minimalist mail-art received. In some cases, I have added scans of earlier work to provide depth and context.

Diane Keys (Elgin, Illinois, USA)

The expansive Queen of Trash and DKult icon, when I took a closer look, is also an accomplished minimalist. I was surprised to find just how often minimalist use of text appears in her work. Here is an example of recent work received:

The reverse side:

Eduardo Cardoso (Sines, Portugal)

Eduardo Cardoso is well-known as an accomplished visual poet, and much of this work is minimalist. He founded the popular Minimal Mail Art group at the IUOMA. I have not received minimal work from Eduardo recently. An envelope containing Trashpo does reveal his method of using small fragments of text:

Examples from the archives provide more examples:

Eduardo Cardoso (circa 2011)

Richard Canard (Carbondale, Illinois, USA)

Many are familiar with Richard Canard’s mail-art meditations that appear like compacted essays on postcards. He is also a consistent and adept minimalist who sometimes shows the influence of Aram Saroyan. Richard is prolific and I am thrilled to be able to share with you some excellent examples, including what appears to a series or variations on a theme:

The reverse side:

Richard Canard (2013)

Richard Canard (2013)

Richard Canard (2013)

Richard Canard (2013)

Carina Granlund (Petsmo, Finland)

Recent work received served as a reminder to me that Carina Granlund consistently uses minimalism, especially on her envelopes. This work involves the use of tape. I found some examples in blog scan files:

Carina Granlund (circa 2012)

Carina Granlund

Carina Granlund (circa 2012)

While minimalism might not be trending in the network right now, it appears to be alive and well, especially in the vispo area. Many thanks to the minimalists for their great work!

[DKeys]

Aside from Eduardo, I have never seen minimalism from these artists like this.  Richard's pieces are so 'him'.  I like how you've found the through line and  put these all together. It seems to show how we all influence and draw inspiration from each other.

[De Villo Sloan]

Rebecca, definitions unfairly categorize. At least we're on the same page.

Yes, I am thrilled that non-minimalists such as you, Viz & Artist-in-Seine appreciate less = more. I couldn't be a minimalist if you gagged me & tied my hands.

Just saw Aram Saroyan is in the Guiness Book of World Records for the world's shortest poem, which is the letter "m" repeated a few times.

Cheryl Penn should challenge this. Here is the cover of a book she sent. The rest of the pages are blank:

[Rebecca Guyver]

Or Viz...

[Rebecca Guyver]

A unique collection! Fabulous work, and as ever you guide us through it perfect;y, DVS. I think we can safely say neither Artist in Seine nor Rebecca are minimalists!

[Dean aka Artist in Seine]

Liked the whole thing.  It was perfect as perfect.

[De Villo Sloan]

Eduardo, you have been sending fantastic Trashpo - generously and consistently. Thanks.

I do admire your minimalist work.

Take care, DVS

[De Villo Sloan]

Minimalism in painting triggered minimalism in poetry. Aram Saroyan was a major force in this. There is some excitement on FB because all Saroyan's minimal work has been re-issued. Richard Canard is very excited for one.

http://www.uglyducklingpresse.org/catalog/browse/item/?pubID=28

When I went through my files, I did not find many mail-artists doing minimalist art. You could be one of the exceptions. I am sure there are many. This is just work received from friends.

The network is, of course, one of the main conduits for vispo & asemics. I found minimalist poetry is absolutely thriving. Much of the work in the blog is minimalist poetry. Richard Canard is the most pure example. Eduardo too,

Today, writing and working with images are fusing into some new artform. Once you had conceptual art. Conceptual writing has coming along. So they just call everyone conceptualists.

So we have minimalists.

But let's not worry about definitions. Let's enjoy the work. I did think I owed you an explanation.

[Eduardo Cardoso]

"I have not received minimal work from Eduardo recently."

It's time I send you some of my reduced compositions. Thank you for blogging my works.

[De Villo Sloan]

Vizma, it must look like I am trying to build some holy art shrine to Carina with all the blogging of her work. I like her work very much, but it is just a coincidence.

Carina, the blog is not meant to be any critical statement about minimalism or a comprehensive sweep of who is doing minimalism in mail-art today.

Basically, I am using this definition:

http://www.moma.org/collection/details.php?theme_id=10459

There has been a lot of minimalism in mail-art because of Fluxus.

[Carina]

Minimalism is a play with words/letters? Great artworks. Thanks DVS.

Long time since I sent that hole, and I'm still a newbie :)

Thanks Vizma!