“In pursuit of collage”

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

I sincerely thank the restorer of books and the bookbinder Alexander Treit (Alexander Treit) for making the binding of the author's book. The format of the block is 10x15 centimeters.

In the past year, I made several collages on the pages of my school notebook, which almost by chance survived in the attic of a country house. I sent out pages with collages to the participants of the mail art movement on different continents. One of the recipients, the mail art artist Judi Dagan (HaBonim village, Israel), cut my sheets into 10x15 cm fragments, photocopied some (so that the stack of leaves increased), covered with her own collages.

I worked on the leaves, added some elements. Alexander Trite stuck together scattered leaves and performed a magnificent cover. Soon, a book by Semenenko-Basin and Dagan, dubbed “In pursuit of collage,” will be mailed to the distant village of HaBonim.

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

And, of course, long live the diversity of temperaments, cultures, various climates and landscapes!

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

Thanks Judi ! Work on this book seemed to take me to my teenage years, when we played such serious games!

In Moscow there is a Handwritten-Book`s Association. In December, at an association meeting (no more than five to six people will come) I will talk about this little book. After the meeting of our Association, I will go to the post office and send you a parcel.

[Judith Dagan]

Ilya,what an incredible gesture. We are so different,both in temperament and artistic style. That is what I most enjoyed about our collaboration. Again, it's a reminder of how diversity is the key. Not only in art.  Our world (for better or for worse)could not have survived until, now without it.     Thank you kind sir. Judi ♡♤◇♧♡