Yes, but is it Art?

Mail Art. Artistamps. We use the word "art" to define and describe these practices. But should we? Are we wrongly equating our mailings with the importance of paintings on gallery walls? I'll tell you I'm not really troubled by these questions. I think it's art and I don't believe in a war between art and craft. Still, it's a question that a lot of people talk about and even write scholarly articles trying to defend. This article "Cinderella and the Big Monster: Mail Art and the Museum" by Peter van der Meijden goes into great depth on the subject. I encourage you to check it out if you want to ruminate more on the matter. Thanks to Laura for this link! 

P.S. Art by François Colos. 

Comments

[alyssabeth]

I knew Laura had to be behind this somehow haha

[Cynthia]

I would call my mail stuff craft or collage because I do not or cannot draw. Some of the drawn artwork I have seen absolutely can be called "art". It seems to me that the handwork of others, via pencil or paintbrush, can take one's breath away in a manner that collage does not.
Just my idea on a Friday afternoon before a long weekend where I am stalling on my last bit of work.

[Jen B]

I love that envelope! How creative!

[oliviarrow]

This is totally fascinating to me, I'll have to read that paper sometime!

[fafa]

Yes it 's ART !!!!!!! En leur temps Picasso ,Braque et beaucoup d'autres ont fait des collages qui sont devenus des œuvres que l'on retrouve dans les musées !!!!!!!