MAIL ART Meaning and
Definition
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Mail art, also known as postal art or correspondence art, is a creative medium that involves the use of the postal system to exchange artworks and ideas between artists, often referred to as mail artists. It is a decentralized art movement that emerged in the 1960s and continues to thrive today.
Mail art is characterized by its open and inclusive nature. Artists from various backgrounds and locations participate by sending handmade or altered artworks, collages, prints, or any other form of artistic expression through the mail. These artworks are typically sent in envelopes or postcards, often adorned with decorative stamps, drawings, or collage elements.
The concept behind mail art revolves around the democratization of art, as it challenges the dominant art institutions, commercial galleries, and the art market. It provides an alternative platform for artists to freely and spontaneously communicate their ideas, bypassing conventional barriers. By using the postal system, mail artists create a global network, encouraging collaboration, artistic experimentation, and cultural exchange.
Mail art often incorporates elements of chance and surprise. Artists may incorporate text, images, or ephemera into their mailings, inviting the recipient to interact with the artwork or add their own contributions. This collaborative aspect of mail art builds connections between artists and fosters a sense of community within the movement.
Overall, mail art serves as a platform for artists to challenge traditional notions of art, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, communication, and collaboration in the creative process, while defying commercialism and promoting artistic freedom.
Etymology of MAIL ART
The word "mail art" has its roots in the term "correspondence art". This artistic practice emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in the 1950s and 1960s, as a form of art that involved sending artworks through the mail. The term "mail art" itself was coined by artist Ray Johnson in the 1960s, who referred to his artworks exchanged through the mail as "mail art".
The etymology of the word "mail" can be traced back to the early 14th century, derived from the Old French word "male", meaning "wallet" or "bag". The term evolved over time to refer to the system of collecting, sending, and delivering letters and packages.
The adoption of the term "art" in "mail art" is self-explanatory, indicating the artistic nature of the practice.
