Received from Marie Wintzer, Japan--Tanuki Mail Art, no. 605

[Bifidus Jones]

The muses have been favoring Marie from the get go and this mail art is no exception. She refers to it as a prototype and I really think she's created something that can be explored and expanded for some time. I like the anime character appearing to have created the hole himself with his foot or fist or maybe even with his yelling. Either way, he's coming through so get out of his way! The structure is a miniature piece of framed canvas 2 inches by 2 inches and about a half inch deep. Marie uses multi-language word lists on the front so maybe this is a gesture about breaking through language barriers. The reverse side states in German, "Ausgabe gegen diesen Schein Bitte der Bedienung geben" which in English means "You will get your items when you give the receipt to the check-out person" (thanks, Erni). The fact that these instructions are accompanied by the stamp of Tanuki is delightful.

And as always, I love Marie's envelopes with the postage stamps. Changing my first name to Hapticus made me laugh out loud. I hope Marie continues to make these little gems. Thank you, Marie.

 

[Bifidus Jones]

great photos--think of all the stuff he could have used to make mail art with if that had been his calling

[Marie Wintzer]

Love this photo Bifidus, one my favorites ever, I think I want a poster of it. I find it much better than most photoshop montages.

And here he is in Japan. I wonder if he found any void in this busy market street!

Your bat reaching for the moon!!!

[Bifidus Jones]

Yeah, I can't see any reason why it was returned to you the first time, but I'm glad  you persisted. Your "hole" work is complementing my Thursday evening classes I am currently taking about Yves Klein and his life. He was very much into exploring the void, insisting that the void is where the best stuff is found. He also went to Japan and became a Black Belt in Judo which he loved because of the spaces his body could move into while practicing the martial arts. Here he is in his famous "saut dans le vide":

There was a mail art call awhile back to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this leaping into the void. I came up with this:

So yes, I appreciate your hole mail art very much. The best stuff is in the holes. Cheers.

[Marie Wintzer]

Very cool blog, Hapticus :-) I'm so relived you got it!