Performance art | MinXus-LynXus III

Karnival of Trash Mail Art Call: A Picture of an Envelope in the Envelope and It’s All about the Hair by Holly Jo (Toronto, Canada, USA)

Posted on March 1, 2017 by minkrancher

Mail art by Holly Jo (Toronto, Canada)

For her debut upon the humble MinXus-Lynxus blog, Holly Jo sent a spectacular, self-reflective, process-oriented work that invokes Fluxus yet is eminently compatible with the Karnival of Trash call as well as Post-MinXus. Holly Jo is not a networker previously known to me, and I suspect she might be a newcomer. She certainly is a “natural.” This is a wonderful contribution to the KoT. The photo is FAB, but the bagged hair is a show-stopper and high Trashpo:

Most likely Holly Jo does not know about the MinXus-Lynxus Who Has The Best Hair Contest. That would be wonderful synchronicity.

Deepest thanks to Holly Jo of Toronto for a superb package!

Karnival of Trash Mail Art Call: Mick Boyle Sends the Sacred Shroud of Conneaut Lake (Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, USA)

Posted on February 6, 2017 by minkrancher

Mail art by Mick Boyle (Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, USA)

At the risk of turning a DKult Holy Relic into a sideshow attraction in the Karnival of Trash, I am sharing this piece sent by Mick Boyle billed as the “Sacred Shroud of Conneaut Lake.” The authenticity will have to be determined through the arcane divinations of the DKult elites.

I will put forth that Mick Boyle was named a DKult Saint by none other than Queen of Trash Diane Keys, and he is an important contributor to the thriving DKULTPA chapter. On the other hand, what are the chances of the discovery of a second authentic relic that has so much in common with the Shroud of Elgin? Ultimately, only DK can determine if this is, indeed, a true miracle or just another Kulter hoax.

Many thanks to Mick Boyle!

Karnival of Trash Mail Art Call: Trashpo & the Post-Phallocentric Phallus by Monsenhor enVide neFelibata (Porto, Portugal)

Posted on January 16, 2017 by minkrancher

Mail art by Monsenhor enVide neFelibata (Porto, Portugal)

I suppose I should have figured out a way to make an effective “trigger warning” for this new addition to the greatest show on earth.

Monsenhor enVide neFelibata is actually a very talented and friendly member of the Eternal Network. He is, I think, best known for these penis stamps/prints that he mails around the world. Back in mail art’s Golden Age, before the daily post was quickly shared with the world on the internet, items were often more “intimate.”

In the 1980s, for instance, people were photocopying their genitals and various bodily excretions. Come to think of it, though, I do not recall anyone (as I’m guessing was done here) coating a penis with ink and making a print. Can Monsenhor enVide ne Felibata claim to have originated this practice? Someone must know the history of the penis print. He also kindly included some Trashpo material:

And the envelope:

Thank you Monsenhor enVide neFelibata!

Karnival of Trash Mail Art Call: Divination Kit #137 by Jonathan Stangroom & Jennifer Weigel (Somerville, Massachusetts, USA)

Posted on January 8, 2017 by minkrancher

Mail art by Jonathan Stangroom and Jennifer Weigel (Somerville, Massachusetts, USA)

The Karnival of Trash attains emerald green chakra status with this outstanding piece by network super duo Jonathan Stangroom and Jennifer Weigel. As an apparent result of fortuitous synchronicity, they have made a substantial contribution to both Trashpo and “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

Stangroom/Weigel are not known trashpoets or Kulters, but their work is proving to be perfect for my humble call. This is very likely a result of their connection to Fluxus. Included in the show is a piece (documented here) from their “Divination” project.

Kulters will immediately see a similarity to “D-Kits” (aka Kult Kits), a fascinating but esoteric Trashpo genre. D-Kits (Diane Keys has produced some outstanding examples) are based upon FluxKits, only the D-Kit is more dependent upon found objects, although D-Kits often also contain DKult recruitment materials. The Stangroom/Weigel Divination Kits are also rooted in the FluxKit (or Fluxus boxes) and involve collection of found materials. The emphasis on chance operations connects Fluxus, Trashpo and Diviniation Kits. Jonathan Stangroom and Jennifer Weigel provide ample explanation and documentation.

Of relevance too is the fact that several years ago DKULTNY marketed “D-Vining Rods.” Supposedly, “D-Vining Rods” were made from the wood of a sacred tree in Elgin, Illinois, USA, and would guide the owner to hidden treasures.

As the result of demographic chance operations, the ranks of DKULTMASS (DKult Massachusetts) have swelled during the KoT. Jonathan Stangroom and Jennifer Weigel have made some wonderful contributions from Somerville. Here is a Minxus-related card from the duo included as an added bonus.

Thank you!

Karnival of Trash Mail Art Call: DaDa Energy Port by Mystery Mail Artist

Posted on November 25, 2016 by minkrancher

DaDa Energy Port by mystery mail artist

The DaDa centennial celebration has spilled into the Karnival of Trash, and for good reason. DaDa certainly owes a great deal to Trashpo. This mail art installation of thick, sturdy plastic – the DaDa Energy Portal – is a welcome addition to the greatest show on earth. Only I cannot determine who sent it. I certainly would like to give credit, unless the artist wishes to remain anonymous. I am not even sure the point of origin. This is how the piece passed through the mail:

Clues?

The interior panels opened:

Many thanks to the mystery mail artist. I wish I knew who you were so I could thank you more personally!

Karnival of Trash Mail Art Call: Revenge of the Krispy Kreme Caper by Lisa Lisa (North Manchester, Indiana, USA)

Posted on November 17, 2016 by minkrancher

Mail art by Lisa Lisa aka Lisa Iversen aka Skybridge Studios (Indiana, USA)

I am thrilled beyond words (almost) to add this absolutely historic work to the Karnival of Trash. The piece has at least three special qualities I would like to emphasize:

(1) This is a highly innovative, 3-D Trashpo sculpture made with a nearly empty Krispy Kreme donut (doughnut) box. The work was banged around in the postal system, which only adds to its Gutai, interactive quality. This is the first piece that ever made the stony-faced postal worker at the Auburn, N.Y. front desk smile.

Lisa Lisa recycled a Karnival of Trash official stamp:

(2) The choice of the Krispy Kreme doughnut box is not random. The reign of terror of a mail artist known as Krispy Kreme is a chapter in Trashpo history. The tale of Krispy Kreme, I fear, will be circular and esoteric to “Normals.” Many trashpoets, however, will recall the curious incidents involved.

In short, Krispy Kreme was a mail artist of uncertain identity who apparently lived in Missouri USA, claimed at various times to be mayor of a small town and/or a prisoner on a farm or ranch. People actually received mail from Krispy Kreme. She eventually disappeared into the mists of obscurity but was, for a time, obsessed with Trashpo and DKult, alarmingly so, in fact.

Here is the reverse side of the 3-d Trashpo sculpture by Lisa Lisa:

Let us now move to the interior of the work:

The doughnuts were consumed before the sculpture was mailed, but a patina of grease with a mosaic of sugar flakes remains, giving the piece a social realist quality, hinting of the presence of forms that are now absent.

I do not know what the red packets are. Due to the hazardous nature of some Trashpo I am sent, I do not plan to find out.

(3) Being able to include this piece in the Karnival of Trash is a major triumph for me because it is a piece by Lisa Iversen, a Trashpo and mail art legend who is currently “retired” or who flies so under the radar that she is likely not well known to the new generations currently pouring into the network.

Lisa Iversen is affectionately known among Kulters today, sometimes, as Lisa Lisa. I believe she has had a huge impact on shaping new directions for mail art during the last five years when she was known as Skybridge Studios. This Trashpo piece is a testimony to her brilliance. If only she would share that gift with the world more than she does currently!

Many thanks to Lisa Lisa!

Karnival of Trash Mail Art Call: Trash Canthropology by Toni Hanner (Eugene, Oregon, USA)

Posted on October 21, 2016 by minkrancher

Mail art by Toni Hanner (Eugene, Oregon, USA)

The greatest show on earth continues with a warm welcome to tenderfoot trashpoet Toni Hanner. She is making a big splash in the network these days (very active at IUOMA-Ning) and she is of a literary-poetic persuasion, which strengthens a network tradition. In other words, Toni Hanner is a great asset doing very interesting work across genres. I am thrilled she is now part of the Karnival of Trash!

And the envelope:

Thank you Toni Hanner!

Karnival of Trash Mail Art Call: Trashpo Gestures by Mick Boyle (Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, USA)

Posted on September 10, 2016 by minkrancher

Mail art by Mick Boyle (Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, USA)

Mick Boyle has attained, if not exceeded, Legend of Trashpo status for his innovative art and service to DKult. So I am thrilled to be able to include his “Incomplete Gestures” package in the Karnival of Trash exhibition. The envelope alone is worth the price of admission. Some will no doubt note the Ray Johnson reference in the concept. Mick Boyle made some classic Trashpo pieces for the show too:

Trashpo by Mick Boyle

And the reverse:

Mick Boyle also included some fan art that, as I recall, dated from the time when the Secret Santas were putting spells on me. I will take the high road and refrain from a rant about the conspiracy against the Karnival of Trash that is so obviously afoot.

Here is the envelope the way it arrived in my post office box:

Deepest thanks to Mick Boyle!

Previous Karnival of Trash Documentation

Stan Askew

https://minkranch.wordpress.com/2016/09/08/karnival-of-trash-mail-art-call-dkitsch-by-stan-askew-pasadena-california-usa/

Jim Leftwich

https://minkranch.wordpress.com/2016/09/04/karnival-of-trash-mail-art-call-trashpo-by-jim-leftwich-roanoke-virginia-usa/

Borderline Grafix

https://minkranch.wordpress.com/2016/08/30/karnival-of-trash-mail-art-call-dkult-zine-by-borderline-grafix-austin-texas-usa/

Gu (Gina Ulgen)

https://minkranch.wordpress.com/2016/08/21/karnival-of-trash-mail-art-exhibition-gu-norwich-norfolk-uk/

Joey Patrickt

https://minkranch.wordpress.com/2016/08/19/karnival-of-trash-mail-art-call-joey-patrickt-dkultjoey-oakland-california-usa/

John M. Bennett and Diane Keys

https://minkranch.wordpress.com/2016/08/13/karnival-of-trash-exhibition-opens-with-work-by-john-m-bennett-diane-keys/

Karnival of Trash Mail Art Exhibition: Gu (Norwich, Norfolk, UK)

Posted on August 21, 2016 by minkrancher

Mail art by Gu (Norwich, Norfolk, UK)

I am absolutely thrilled to share the first Karnival of Trash entry from Britain. Gu is a FAB collage artist known and admired both inside and well beyond Trashpo and Kulter circles. Her considerable talents are now immortalized in the annals of the Karnival of Trash. Geographically and aesthetically, Gu is part of the acclaimed DKULTUK that is known for its innovation. This fascinating synthesis of “high” culture (Shakespeare) and the anti-art stance of Trashpo is thought-provoking and deeply rewarding in terms of art. Here is the reverse side of the stunning collage:

The Ray Johnson allusion as well as the fascinating retro nature of the enclosed material gives this mailing an additional cultural resonance. DKULTUK products have always tended toward the more aesthetic side of Trashpo (Rebecca Guyver and Mail Art Martha, for instance). This work by Gu is another contribution to the canon.

This stamp (above) could easily serve as the logo for the Karnival of Trash.

Gu employs a classic Trashpo trope: The packet (or sometimes loose collection) of unaltered material, often cryptic or ambiguous in terms of intent:

Reverse sides:

Here is the envelope that contained all this marvelous material. The envelope included (unfortunately difficult to scan) an unsharpened and thus unused pencil. In my estimation, this is a superb mail art assemblage with both thematic continuity and disruption. Conventions of Trashpo are seamlessly integrated. Deepest thanks to Gu!

Send your entries to:

Karnival of Trash

c/o De Villo Sloan

PO Box 1314

Auburn, New York 13021 USA

Previous Karnival of Trash Documentation

Joey Patrickt

https://minkranch.wordpress.com/2016/08/19/karnival-of-trash-mail-art-call-joey-patrickt-dkultjoey-oakland-california-usa/

John M. Bennett and Diane Keys

https://minkranch.wordpress.com/2016/08/13/karnival-of-trash-exhibition-opens-with-work-by-john-m-bennett-diane-keys/

Soup-er Subscription Opus by Jude Weirmeir (San Diego, California, USA)

Posted on August 7, 2016 by minkrancher

Mail art by Jude Weirmeir (San Diego, California, USA)

This edition of Jude Weirmeir’s endlessly interesting and innovative performance score series, Subscription Opus, is seasoned to perfection with a dash of Andy Warhol. Jude Weirmeir, primarily a musician and composer but clearly a gifted visual artist as well, has found the perfect distribution network for these pieces via mail art with its emphasis on intermedia. This Subscription Opus is one large sheet, approximately 6 X 11 inches. Here is a complete view of one side:

And the reverse:

Many thanks to Jude Weirmeir!