Religion and Politics??

[Susan McAllister]

I know that in polite society we aren't supposed to discuss religion and politics, and I have no intention of delving into the religion thing, but politics - well, maybe.

I am curious about political mail art. I've seen some, but rarely make it. Not because it offends me but because I don't really know how to integrate the two very well. And I wonder if some people might be offended by receiving it.

I suspect there is a long history of political mail art, but I don't know where to find about it. DVS, might you be a source of info about this?

Anyone, jump in and tell me what you think. Are you into to it? Ot hate it?

[Austin Wills James]

I have to say that I do feel a surge of relief that I'm not the only one who finds my first reaction to "flaming nuns" amusing. Over the past few days I've had that image pop into my head & cause either an outright chuckle, or at the least a smirk; to the point where I actually had to explain why "flaming nuns" were so funny to my wife. (Who simply shook her head & expressed appreciation that she wasn't the only one to suffer my humor.)

-AWJ-

[Susan McAllister]

@Ana and Austin, I keep visualizing a piece with Ana's image and Austin's words. I think you should collaborate. It would be great.

@ BG, very cool.

[borderlinegrafix]

Here is the anti-gun and voting thing...

[Ana Karina]

@Austin, i'm cracking up reading your comments - i meant a nun on fire, but now i want to draw up your version too! And look, another atheist, hello!

@Vizma, I'm glad to have convinced you otherwise, i understand how you got the idea, I guess as a former catholic i still find the religious imagery kitschy. I might have to change my profile pic though ( I was thinking of doing it soon anyway!)

[Susan McAllister]

Far Out Isn't Far Enough, a new film about artist Tomi Ungerer. He does political, erotic and children's art.
http://www.faroutthemovie.com/

[Susan McAllister]

Well, all the interesting stuff happened when ai was asleep.

Val, as a generalization, I think you may be generally right about the composition of the US IUOMA folks, especially around class. I suspect there may be more queers than we generally recognition. Just my gaydar speaking, which is difficult to trust on line. Of course, there is definitely a good strain of non-conformist types,too. Around race, well, it is largely a mystery to me what race folks are here and I find I like that. People can't discriminate against certain races if they don't know what race you are. But, for some reason, I like knowing who the queers are.

As to your harder questions, Val, what does it all mean and how does it affect mail art I have to say I don't really know. In general, I think a wide mix of all types makes every thing more interesting. Of course, it may also make for more misunderstandings and conflict. And that's a part of why I started this conversation. How can we be our true selves and enjoy one another's art without getting bent out of shape when something difficult comes our way.

[Valentine Mark Herman]

He/She/It sneezed once, and was Blessed.

I will now share with you all -- in the light of Vizma's I've-been-sent-penises* comment -- one of the most amazing newspaper stories I've come acrooss in recent years. It appeared in the UK Daily Telegraph of 21/06/2013 under the headline 'Scuffle is broken up in a show of sexual power':

"A man dressed as a penis to promote a street theatre company was saved from attack by an outraged bystander, by a woman in a vagina costume.

Chris Murray was in a pink phallus-shaped outfit to advertise a play by the Nomadic Academy of Fools, when a man took offence. Mr Murray was attacked in Glastonbury, Somerset. He was saved by Joanne Tremarco, dressed as a vagina.

She pulled him to safety before the police arrived last Friday. Mr Murray decided not to press charges."

Discuss

Or not.

* Is the plural form of penis 'penises' or 'peni'?

[vizma bruns]

Wow, this is really interesting.

As artists, I believe we need to push boundaries politically and socially, that is, in galleries, online, in media, but to send something specifically to one recipient is I think, where we may have to be more careful if we don't know their views. Although, if you're here to be a shit-stirrer, (do you have that term up North?) then that's what you do and that's fine with me. I must say I'd rather get controversial and or even shit-stirring mail art, than a Jesus loves you type of thing. Any day. 

I enjoy getting mail from Guido, he puts his views out there, and I like that honesty. It's thought provoking.

 I've never been sent anything porny, well, at least I don't think I have..I've been sent penises (not real ones) a few times, but that just makes me laugh. They were sent by Very Good friends, and also first time mailers.

Confession time... I actually thought Ana was a 'bit goddy' when she joined, (maybe because of her pic) and I kind of kept my distance, until I read her comments and started getting cool and out there mail from her. Sorry about that, Ana!

PS. Blessed Father isn't really a Father.

[Austin Wills James]

I do share them, although to me (at least) it could be a subconscious effort to conform, even to non-conformity. There's a lyric I really like by the band 311, "Rebellion for it's own sake, does not a true free-thinker make. You're still controlled by the course that the other man takes.". I can only suppose that as a group of self proclaimed misfits, we still seek acceptance from those we either see as peers, or idolize.

[Valentine Mark Herman]

AWJ: you're right, I was outlining what I think is a general characteristic of the IUOMA community, and most definitely not referring to any individual(s).  Going back to the geneal point, do you share my WASP+ perceptions of 'we all' here?