Mail Art by the Incredible Hull-K - E Elkan (Hull, UK)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail art by IUOMA member E Elkan (Hull, UK)

May 2, 2015 - Exciting things are happening in Britain these days, and E Elkan (E E) – an apparent newcomer – is contributing to the effort. I spotted some fine work already by E E on Rebecca Guyver's blog, and E E is currently a presence at IUOMA-Ning where one can see more examples of the art.

E Elkan produces what I will label a kind of expressionist art that exists on a borderland between rarified aesthetics and engaging graphic art. Sometimes I find the work making a segue into cartoons, which is meant to be a compliment. I certainly see a style and attitude ideally suited to mail art. E Elkan also has a special stamp-making talent. It is also early in the game, and I am relating some general and largely unformed impressions at this stage.

In this mailing, E Elkan explores Moan Lisa’s (Iowa, USA) 5089 concept. 5089 is one of Moan’s calls that has “legs.” Many artists have responded. With Moan Lisa, I caution against seeking rational or logical explanations. 5089 seems to represent Moan’s idea of a post-mail art movement,  but defining that movement is left to the participants. Digressions and contradictions are accepted and expected.

Like many of Moan’s chosen symbols and icons, 5089 is indeterminate. For the participating artists, it has become a floating signifier to be used for various subjective purposes. E Elkan sent the work in a wonderfully decorated envelope:

And the reverse:

Deepest thanks to E Elkan of Hull for sending this wonderful mail art!

[E Elkan]

Thanks again for blogging and the kind words.

Great title, would read again.

[De Villo Sloan]

Thank you for pointing that out, Finn Badger.

The envelopes are wonderful, and I applaud E Elkan for choosing to do some advertising for Hull. Some mail artists can use where they live as a beneficial part of the persona. Others have a harder time. What I'm trying to express is that Hull looks interesting.

I tried to reflect that in my Incredible Hull-K title. Other possibilities were "Hull is for Children" (after the song) or E Elkan - Hull's Angel (the biker). 

Great mail art here, IMHO, and not easy to label.

[FinnBadger]

The envelope alone is worth the price of admission.