RECEIVED: Shades of Yoko Ono? Mail-Art Concept Collage from Svenja Wahl (Heidelberg, Germany)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail-art by IUOMA member Svenja Wahl (Heidelberg, Germany)

 

September 27, 2011 - During the past months, IUOMA members have been receiving and viewing Svenja Wahl's distinctive and beautifully made mail-art. She has an extraordinary talent for collage, and I was thrilled to receive this work from her.

 

Svenja might fairly be placed in the Cryptic School of Mail-Art. Her work offers multiple possibilities for meaning and invites personal interpretations. The mail-art above immediately made me think of a performance score. I also thought of a series of pieces by Yoko Ono, I think part of an installation, that are equally minimal and thought-provoking. Here's a link to Yoko's Ono's photostream where you can compare:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yokoonoofficial/4014297678/in/photostream

The reverse side of the mail-art Svenja Wahl sent me is this simple and elegant collage, mixing words and images:

 

Again, she relies on economy and minimalism in this collage (but not necessarily elsewhere in her work). The piece is also very formalist in construction. I think the repetition of the three parallel strips is incredibly effective. Yet, what message does the work carry?

 

In its simplicity, it speaks volumes, suggesting narratives that delve to the root of personal and public identity. This is not mail-art made to be consumed quickly and forgotten just as quickly. It invites meditation and appreciation. And I appreciate having received this a great deal.

 

Svenja also makes wonderful use of the envelope, addressed to the usual suspect:

 

 

Cryptic and marvelous imagery on the reverse side:

 

 

My deepest thanks, Svenja Wahl! When the mist of Asemics 16 clears, I hope to send you something that matches this incredible gift of art. Svenja has a link on her page that takes you to some more examples of her art:

 

http://dottipost.tumblr.com/

[De Villo Sloan]

Thanks, Bifidus. When I saw Svenja's work I was floored. How could I be so floor-tunate? This is polished work, and I could wax poetic. I just want to rug her!

[Bifidus Jones]

thanks much for posting this, de villo. your blogs are always thoughtful and insightful--a worthy attribute to the relationship between mail art sender and receiver.

[De Villo Sloan]

CB, thanks for filling me in on the sewing pattern. I like it but didn't know what it was. It even has A-dress included!

[Marie Wintzer]

Svenja never ceases to amaze. In your words DVS, a gift of art, that sums it up very nicely. I love the sewing pattern envelope. Question from the floor, what can I say, that will give you food for thought for days! Great blog!

[Nancy Bell Scott]

That Svenja always includes a variety of style in her work is remarkable. Because it all ... works. And, perhaps most important, invites meditation as you say. More power to you, Svenja!  Once again, repeating myself, the envelope itself is fantastic.

[De Villo Sloan]

Hi Svenja, I like your work very much. I'm so glad you sent me something. I hope you feel better.

 

Hi again Cheryl, I haven't received her #5 yet. This is the first thing that has come through.

 

And thanks Skybridge - we have similar tastes :) Svenja's collage work strikes me as being ultra-ultra-wonderful. Speaks to me for some reason.

[Svenja Wahl]

De Villo, Cheryl, Lisa, having spent the whole day in bed with a terrible cold, you really made my evening! Thanks for your wonderful blog, DVS, that made me blush a wee bit, tooo much compliments (I'll take them anyway ;-))) Looking forward to your Asemics 16 and everything...

[cheryl penn]

This is SO FAB!! Have you received Svenja's Asemics # 5? They remind me of this train of thought.  Great blog, great work :-) X