Mail art artists international

A fascinating topic!

Mail Art Artists International (MAAI) is a global network of artists who create and exchange handmade, unique, and often unconventional artworks through the postal system. The movement emerged in the 1960s and has since grown into a vibrant community of artists, curators, and collectors.

MAAI artists use various techniques, such as collage, drawing, painting, photography, and mixed media, to create artworks that are often small, intimate, and ephemeral. These artworks are then mailed to other artists, curators, and collectors around the world, often with a personal message, poem, or story.

The core principles of Mail Art Artists International are:

  1. Democratization of art: MAAI artists believe that art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, training, or social status.
  2. Experimentation and innovation: MAAI artists encourage experimentation with new techniques, materials, and formats to push the boundaries of art.
  3. Collaboration and exchange: MAAI artists exchange artworks, ideas, and inspiration with each other, fostering a sense of community and global connection.
  4. Ephemerality and impermanence: MAAI artworks are often designed to be temporary, fragile, or ephemeral, reflecting the transience of life and the impermanence of art.

Some notable Mail Art Artists International artists include:

  1. Ray Johnson (1927-1995): An American artist known for his "drip paintings" and "moticos" (small, folded paper artworks).
  2. Anna Banana (1940-2019): An American artist and curator who founded the Mail Art movement in the 1960s.
  3. John Held Jr. (1947-2017): An American artist and curator who was a key figure in the Mail Art movement.
  4. Guglielmo Achille Cavellini (1920-2009): An Italian artist known for his " Mail Art" and "Network Art" projects.

Today, MAAI continues to thrive, with artists from around the world participating in exhibitions, projects, and collaborations. The movement has also inspired other forms of art, such as street art, graffiti, and digital art.

If you're interested in learning more about Mail Art Artists International or even participating in the movement, there are many online resources and communities to explore.