RECEIVED: More Monkey Business (ATC) from Cheryl Penn (Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail-art by IUOMA member Cheryl Penn (Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa)

 

June 16, 2011 - Cheryl Penn sent a wonderfully ornate ATC (Artist Trading Card) enclosed in the envelope above and bearing the symbol of the red monkey.

 

Her work explores and extends the ATC form remarkably. Cheryl has a penchant for weaving narratives combining text and image. "When Madeleine recounts the details of a bad dream" combined with the cryptic primate symbol and "TWELVE" begins the process of moving us into a multi-faceted story. In this blog, I want to explore how the process of composition builds meaning in her work, sort of a guide to use when you delve into art you receive from Cheryl.

 

First, here is the other side of the envelope:

 

I think the red monkeys are outstanding in this piece. From previous discussions, it has been well established that a sub-text or reference to another work - I'll call it a shadow text - is usually present in Cheryl's work. The reference provides a valuable key to making meaning. I think it is also a way she connects her work to a broader cultural context and sensibility.

 

One striking example is the reference to H. G. Wells' "The Island of Dr. Moreau" in her "wounds" pieces. Once you make the connection, the possibilities multiply. You do not have to find the reference to understand and appreciate Cheryl's work, but locating them opens the field considerably.

 

In the case of this red monkey ATC, it's fairly easy (but I checked anyway) to see the 1995 film "12 Monkeys" serves as Cheryl's shadow text. I think it's a good film and might be worth refreshing your memory if you haven't seen it recently:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_Monkeys

 

Here is one side of the ATC itself:

 

 

At first I thought this was a cut-up poem, but it came more into focus. This is a somewhat disjunctive description of "Twelve Monkeys" that focuses on the particular aspect of "false memories." Further references are mapped out. "Twelve Monkeys" is derived from an earlier short French film (1962) and critics have also noted its references to Alfred Hitchcock's classic "Vertigo" (1958) - thus VERTIGO stamped on the card.

 

Both "Twelve Monkeys" and "Vertigo" are considered psychological films: They explore subjective states and delve into the psycho-analytic, including pathologies. Delving into the minds of characters and representing the objective and subjective has always presented a particular challenge to filmmakers. It is also an area to which Cheryl Penn returns frequently. You need only look at the vacillation between abstraction and more conventional representation in her work to see it's a primary interest; one that is not resolved. 

 

Here's the other side of the ATC. A powerful image:

 

My reaction is that this is a play on hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil; the presenting image of the monkey is indeed a thread holding this together.

 

All I have managed to do in this lengthy blog is disassemble Cheryl's ATC, locate components, and identity some references. Having spent some time over the previous months analyzing her work, it seems to me this is a good approach to take. After all this shredding and deconstructing, the task - the most important task - is to find a meaning that suits you and that is true to the intent of the artist. I am certain it is there and well-worth the exploration.

 

As ever, thanks for another great piece, Cheryl! To see more work by Cheryl Penn and mail-art she has received please visit: http://cherylpenn.com/wpb/

[Marie Wintzer]

I thought you were banned from speaking french, DW! Or does DVS mellow down when you feed him peanuts?

:-)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mes chers fleur de cerisier. Le garçon lumière est mon perroquet. Je lui apprends des mots. Je lui apprends àchanter. Donnez-lui une cacahuète. Il danse dans sa cage.Je fais cela pour vous amuser.

[Marie Wintzer]

Uh-oh, some are on fire in here!! Did they stay too close to the Ether?

[De Villo Sloan]

Peether the Date. She chewed him up and spit him out.

[De Villo Sloan]

Peether the Bait. He wormed his way out of it.

[De Villo Sloan]

Peether the Crate. I sent him packing.

[De Villo Sloan]

All Hail Caether - stormy days for Rome

[De Villo Sloan]

Peether the Grate. I had to step on him.

[De Villo Sloan]

Dw, that is b-knee-ther (beneath her).

 

Is suppose you could also say: What is the name for leg anesthetic? Answer: knee-ther 

[De Villo Sloan]

Cherry Blossom must be cautious or she will have to ether (eat her) words.