Schwitterspo by Erica Durante (Waldwick, New Jersey, USA)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail art by IUOMA member Erica Durante (Waldwick, New Jersey, USA)

August 6, 2015 - Erica Durante is an awesome correspondent, especially given her gargantuan responsibilities as President of DKult New Jersey (DKULTJER).

So far this summer she has sent me two pieces I am thrilled to share today. The first (above) is mounted on sturdy cardboard. Eric Durante has ventured squarely into the textual-visual realm (and makes an additional connection to music) with both pieces. There is certainly an emphasis on materiality.

Lately in Trashpo circles, there have been discussions about the influence of Kurt Schwitters. Indeed claims have been made Schwitters is the true “Godfather of Trashpo.” A certain faction of trashpoets see themselves aligned with and have pledged allegiance to Schwitters, sometimes disavowing other historical connections. Actually, these discussions about the relation of Schwitters to Trashpo are not new. Some time ago I proposed the term “Schwitterspo” be adopted as a subset of Trashpo to accommodate this group of Kurt fans, although DKult can never be DKurt.

I am not suggesting Erica Durante is making a conscious homage to Kurt Schwitters and Schwitterspo in these pieces, yet artists frequently channel ideas that are “in the air.” This great mail art builds upon a rich avant tradition from the 20th century that owes a great deal to Schwitters. Erica Durante brings it into the 21st century and makes it uniquely her own.

An earlier piece received from Erica Durante uses her file card approach but also has the Schwitterspo tonality:

And the reverse:

Thanks as ever to Erica Durante.