Ray Johnson Mail Art collage to Artist Allan Kaprow collage insert & envelope

Description: Original unmailed Mail Art collage with original envelope by the artist Ray Johnson (1927-1995). From the Estate of Producer and Screenwriter Gerald Ayres. The collage face consists of the comic clipping "Cicero's Cat- A Peck of Trouble -A Bushel of Applesauce" copyright 1962. Measures 5" x 9 4/8". The envelopes original return address (Purchases & Sales Tabulating Division of Wall Street) has been altered with purple ink by Ray Johnson who has then manually typed his own return address " Ray Johnson 176 Suffolk St. New York City 2". Dating the correspondence to late 1950 to early 1960's (predates the more often seen later address Locust Valley address Mail Art pieces). Measures 3 1/2" x 6 1/2". The hand typed addressee is "Allen Kaprow 791 Glen Cove Ave. Glen Head, L.I., N.Y.". Note: Ray spelled "Allen" rather than "Allan". The condition is in very good. The collage element/insert does show natural aging, comic clipping shows a slight yellowing overall. Evenly cut with the tiniest bend top right corner and slighted indications of where the comic/collage insert was originally folded. No tears or rips. There Please review the photos closely. The envelope face shows natural aging with a slight yellowing and equally so on the verso; additionally on the envelope there is a noticeable oblong impression that shows a slight discoloration diagonally on the mid to upper right of the envelope where the comic clipping came into contact within the envelope. All in all this artwork is in remarkable condition given the age, due to it's years of being packed away by Gerald Ayres. All the more remarkable that this Mail Art is even in existence given that much of Ray Johnson's Mail Art (later to be known as "New York Correspondence School") collages/envelopes have been lost in time. Please look at the photos and contact me if you have any questions. Allan Kaprow was a friend of Ray Johnson. Allan was a performance artist, installation artist, painter, and assemblagist. Known for his involvement/contributions in developing the "Environment" and Happening" events and theory of the late 1950's and 1960's. Like Ray, Allan was part of the remarkable avant-garde artist, theatre, literary and music movement that was emerging at the time. This avant-garde circle of creative individuals were immersed in discovering new forms of creative Abstract Expressionism that were emerging at the time, eventually evolving into and influencing Pop Art. Provenance: This Mail Art collage is from the collection/estate of the Producer and Screenwriter Gerald Ayres who was a friend and collector of Ray Johnsons artworks/collages. Ray and Gerald became friends in New York during the late 1950's as described in Gerald Ayres book "The Apple Bites Back: a memoir the early years" and remained so throughout Ray's life. I came upon a number of these Mail Art collage artworks many of which have been stored away for decades. These Mail Art (with envelopes) include the names of pioneering avant-garde artists, writers, poets, theater notables, musicians/composers, designers, and such of the late 1950's and early 1960's. Additionally I will be listing some Mail Art collages from Ray Johnson's "Lucky" series which have an exhibition history as well as other Mail Art collages that lack envelopes all by Ray Johnson. Simple as some of these Mail Art collages are understand that this is an uncommon opportunity to acquire a work of art that is also a piece of history from one of the most pivotal creative movements of the 20th century. Feel free to visit my other listings. Guy Ayres

Price: 1200 USD

Location: La Fargeville, New York

End Time: 2024-08-19T18:48:06.000Z

Shipping Cost: 18.4 USD