Dharmadada Erni Bär: THE PORTRAIT OF De Villo Sloan

[Dean aka Artist in Seine]

A constructed free standing sculpture that combine natural and man-made forms into a
symmetrical abstract composition. This Mail Art piece constructed from the discards of contemporary culture in order to be perceived in a formistic way yet retaining the recognizable original character as well. It has a totemic, icon-like presence and is humorous and brooding.  PS: Today, first of August is Erni's Birthday.

It arrived with this riddle and photos of Erni with the enormous package ready to be sent.

To understand this little line

Do first readjust your brain in time

Then the parcel will come nearer

And the "Portrait" you'll see clearerHowever, it is clear that this was made for purposes other than "art."  Only the eclecticism of our contemporary aesthetic would allow the conglomerate of Erni's work to be thought of as "art ".

While we admire his form, level of abstraction, ingenuity and imagination, etc., the primary sense and function of this sculpture is lost to us.  It is my opinion, people try to find a relationship between Erni and De villo Sloan, not because there is some kind of superficial resemblance in common, but rather because they are estranged together, and the viewer, sensing this, feels the need to attach the two together. 

Erni trys to make something which is an object in its own right, commanding its own space in the world by reason of its own unique character.  De villo Sloan seems to effortlessly put  words together which contain many psychological and emotional aspects simultaneously.

The final resting place for this Mail Art piece which has become a shrine of its own.  Well at least until the resident curator returns from a business trip and says; "Take this stuff down to your Man Cave."

Thank you Erni.  A whopping 16.99 euro ($19) for postage is serious business. Did anyone solve the riddle?

[Dean aka Artist in Seine]

So back to the riddle.  It refers to a work of Joseph Beuys. In German it's "JA JA, - NEIN NEIN (or NE NE)": http://www.medienkunstnetz.de/works/jajaja/

I guess no body was at the level to guess this one.  I'm still at the chicken crossing the road level.

[Katerina Nikoltsou (MomKat)]

OPA!

and Chocopo birthday cake for Erni

[Katerina Nikoltsou (MomKat)]

Time to celebrate...party time!

(tea for those who wish :-)

[Katerina Nikoltsou (MomKat)]

69 and going strong! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERNI!

[Dean aka Artist in Seine]

Well you certainly must inspire him to this day.  I'll let you know when I put this on e-bay.  It would be a wonderful addition to your collection.

Another shot in the arm would be most welcome, and he may return someday.  Maybe next year on his 70th birthday?

[De Villo Sloan]

Happy birthday to DharmaDaDa Erni of the Germanic Beat, honorary graduate of Black Mountain College.

As I look back over the Long & Dusty Trail, those things that distanced Erni & I from each other seem insignificant. I can barely remember them. What I do remember is a friend who gave mail art a shot in the arm when it was most needed. His contributions are many.

I wish him well & hope that he might return.