"Trashpo Addicted 2.0" by Petrolpetal (Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa)

[De Villo Sloan]

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

December 13,2014 - It has been a dog’s age since I received Trashpo from South Africa. So I am thrilled to display this imaginative work from Petrolpetal in Kwa Zulu Natal. She certainly knows the Trashpo aesthetic: The work is essentially an anti-art construct of found materials, yet repetition and the silver-plastic minimalist sterility offers much visual interest. “Trashpo Addicted 2.0″ also makes a social commentary on consumerism, waste and the pharmaceutical industry.  The work is also an example of Holism; I haven’t seen any of that in a while either. Here is the reverse side:

“Trashpo Addicted 2.0″ suggests there are earlier versions. I saw one online but cannot remember where. Petrolpetal also suffered as the result of a postal strike in South Africa, so I am just happy the work arrive. It was inside a larger envelope:

Many thanks for the excellent Trashpo, Petrolpetal!

[De Villo Sloan]

Thanks, Dean. We're all glad to have survived the SA postal strike.

[Dean aka Artist in Seine]

Very Funny.  Love this piece, and won't Petropetal be surprised when she receives my Season greetings which was sent a few days ago.  Talk about a cross over idea.

Thanks for the blog.  Somehow we can always count on it.  Bravo to you.

[De Villo Sloan]

Thanks Petrolpetal, I really like the piece a lot. I appreciate your efforts to get it through despite the strike and controversy.

Yes, it could be disturbing or controversial and passing through postal systems as well. It could easily get flagged or viewed with suspicion. I got that right away. That is especially why I made the point in my commentary pointing out the "redeeming social value." This is art.

Trashpo was a perfect genre for you to choose to shape this because it is, I always maintain, a kind of social realism commenting on consumerism, waste, etc.

I think you did tremendous work here. Thanks again.

[Petrolpetal]

glad it got to you, and thanks for your kind words! I sent it via a private courier service who were very disturbed by it. After consultation between about 3 staff members and a few phone calls later, they said it had to go in its own envelope!!