Heroes of Neoism stamps by Borderline Grafix (Texas, USA) & D-Kultur Klub by Diane Keys (Illinois, USA) + DK sends her sole

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail-art by IUOMA member Borderline Grafix (Austin, Texas, USA)

September 1, 2013 - Borderline Grafix has graced the MinXus-Lynxus blog with some very fine art during the previous months. His ability with stamps is becoming increasingly apparent in the network. Yet nothing prepared me for the joy and excitement produced when I received this set of beautiful stamps dedicated to the classic Neoist multiple user identities first conceived decades ago and still widely used today: Luther Blissett, Monty Cantsin and Karen Eliot. I am not familiar with Bob Jones. Given this involves Neoism, I am reluctant to ask.

For those who have missed previous commentary on the subject, Neoism (all historical facts are shaky) was likely conceived circa the 1970s in the USA and blends elements of postmodernism and Fluxus, among other sources.

The heyday of Neoism, which passed through several stages, was in the 1980s and 90s; it was a gigantic presence in the mail-art network, further fuelled by the zine revolution. Neoism touched the lives of thousands and thousands of people, perhaps even millions if the numbers could be tallied; yet due to its underground status, it remains virtually unknown in the mainstream.  (Several groups and individuals in the network identify themselves as Post-Neo.) The machinations of Neoism were overseen by a cabal known only as The 14 Secret Masters of the World. Even today, the identities of all the original 14 masters are not known for certain.

The Neoists were fascinated with the notion of identity and explored it on both theoretical and practical levels in the mail and through performance. Most sources are in agreement that David Zack conceived the "open pop star" concept. Soon came Monty Cantsin as the realization. Monty Cantsin was/is an imaginary pop star and anyone was/is free to become Monty Cantsin at any time.

The idea was that numerous figures would contribute to establishing Cantsin as a cultural icon as well as enjoying the performance art aspects of being Monty Cantsin. Thereafter came the Karen Eliot multiple user identity, invented specifically to address a dearth of women in Neo. Luther Blissett, a European creation, is perhaps the most successful. A novel written collectively by Neoists and published under the name Luther Blissett became popular in Europe. Luther Blissett was briefly a literary celebrity until the hoax unravelled. Yet can it really be considered a hoax or a clever use of aliases?

We were also thrilled that Borderline Grafix used his official MinXus stamp on the envelope:

Many thanks to Borderline Grafix. We look forward to a continuing correspondence.

Mail-art by Diane Keys (Elgin, Illinois, USA) - "The Sole of Elgin"

Diane Keys, aka DK aka Queen of Trash, sent a weighty missive filled with diverse materials including many that relate of D-Kult. I can only assume the footprint on the envelope is DK's. Below is a stunning example of DK's Trashpo, which Iam thrilled to add to the MinXus USA archives.

Here is the reverse side:

As indicated, the package contained a CD. Musical ventures are unusual but not unknown in the realm of Trashpo and DKult.

And the reverse:

The playlist is fantastic!

My vote goes to "Mo Money Mo Glue" and "Tradin' Cardboard for Cheese." DK also passed along information on the elusive KDJ:

This is classic Trashpo with more commentary from DK on the reverse side:

As the Neoists had The 14 Secret Masters of the World, so DKult has the four elders. They look vaguely familiar.

Is it a repressed memory from THE CLINIC? Do they serve on THE COMMITTEE?

These are surely practice cards to memorize the fake identities. To close, here is the reverse side of "The Sole of Elgin" envelope:

Deepest thanks to Borderline Grafix and Diane Keys for this tremendous mail-art.

[De Villo Sloan]

meeah, I appreciate your altruism.

DK, here at DKULTNY, we call your moment of weakness & poor judgement our moment of greatest opportunity.

And yes, Helder is the pioneer of footprint mail-art:

[DKeys]

I spent my life proving my integrity, yet in a moment of weakness I sold my soul for $30.00.  I'm not proud. I did not, however, sell my sole.  Didn't this start with Helder's footprint group? I can't think of why I would have done that otherwise. thanks for blogging and not flogging