RECEIVED: Mail-Art's 6th Generation from Ruud Janssen (Breda, Netherlands)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail-art by the IUOMA founder Ruud Janssen (Breda, Netherlands)

 

Part 2 - Ruud Janssen's Mail-Art

 

Especailly if you find the scans difficult to read, visit www.iuoma.org

 

May 21, 2011 - In the hand-painted envelope from Ruud Janssen bearing the Fluxus word SPOLICE, were these revised materials discussing the history of the International Union of Mail-Artists (IUOMA) and elaboration on the Sixth Generation of Mail-Artists Ruud has defined in similar publications. For me, the IUOMA is an important resource for mail-art history and sharing ideas:

 

 

The IUOMA, like the larger mail-art community, is inter-generational. You encounter Old School veterans who actually knew people such as Ray Johnson and were active in the "old" Fluxus to newer members who are taking us in exciting directions the original founders could not have imagined. A LOT happened in between. Ruud's pieces are always interesting for readers to locate their place in the evolution of what has become a global movement. 

 

It certainly appears the IUOMA has and will have an important place in mail-art, and these publications provide valuable documentation. Of particular interest, I think, is understanding the relationship between the "in the air" (internet, technology) and the "on the ground" (postal systems etc.) aspects of mail-art that are today intertwined. Ruud also included this piece that has a lot of the IUOMA history and concepts:

 

Reverse:

So far, new media seems to be helping mail-art flourish. Fluxus, providing mail-art with many concepts, has always emphasized intermedia. It has encouraged artists not to fear but to embrace and experiment with new media, indeed to be at the forefront. At the same time, mail-artists are accepting of an astonishing variety of forms and materials. Perhaps this makes mail-art an ideal 21st century artform. Ruud Janssen's work invites us to think about about these ideas and apply them to our work. I was very pleased to receive this mail-art. As ever, many thanks!

 

[Ruud Janssen]

you're welcome. Thanks for the kind words! Ruud