Received: He's tanned, he's rested, and Grigori Antonin hits a home run (Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA)

[De Villo Sloan]

The Grigster always gets the girl.

October 26, 2010 - Just when I'd given up - a spectacular and much-hoped-for piece of mail-art arrived, sent by none other than Grigori Antonin. I've been impressed by the "new line" of work he's been issuing. To appreciate what he's accomplished here, you have to see the front and back of this postcard. First, I assume that this in-part refers to my Tania debacle - place it in that context if you are familiar - but it goes beyond that to make what I think might be a commentary on his IUOMA days. First, a full frontal shot:

Really nice work with a retro image. I am puzzled about the scratches. The red logo is reminiscent of the Ray Johnsons piece? Is this a final shredding of the mail-art personality role he was thrust into and which he renounced in order to more fully pursue his art? Possibly. The element that sends this piece into the stratosphere is the text on the other side. How he found something so perfect without writing it himself... well what are the odds?

Anyone who knew Grigori Antonin and was at IUOMA when his "meteoric" rise in the world of mail-art began should appreciate the parody. I hope, I do hope Erni Bar sees the reference to "the beautiful transvestite in Hamburg's Red Light District." We also have "Christie, a third-rate comic" and "Dip(?), a movie star on the way down." What incredible parody - Grigori Antonin shines. But - you know - I'm going to believe - I'm going to have to allow myself to believe that when he says he's "The Love Machine" he really means it - literally. He cares about all his old IUOMA friends and thinks about us fondly because that's the kind of person I'm convinced he really is. So a sincere thanks for this "Grigster." Right about now, I never fail to miss that little message popping up in the comment stream:

J.D. Salinger!

Pay a visit to his blog and say hello; there's always something of interest there; and his links are great.

http://www.no-john-rays.blogspot.com/

[De Villo Sloan]

Hi Marie - glad you found this, as you have more than a passing familiarity with this mail-artist's work. Your first sentence: "It's him alright!" conjures for me something someone might say after looking over a print with a magnifying glass to determine authenticity. I'm glad we concur: certainly the real item. What next? Knockoffs selling on ebay with scribbled signatures - Gregory Antonini or something to fake people out? Regardless, it's reassuring to know he's out there somewhere carrying on.

[Marie Wintzer]

It's him alright! With a few more wrinkles though....