Mail Art
What is Mail Art? Mail Art evolved in Europe and the United States in the late 1950's, as a number of artists sent work to each other by post, instead of exhibiting in commercial galleries. Since then, artists have built up contacts, networks and circuits which stretch across the world. Some people set themes and organize Mail Art projects, which are often shown in non-gallery spaces. A lot of trust is placed in the process. Each piece of Mail Art is a tangile gift, as the work is sent freely. The agreement is that all works are displayed without censorship. The work is not returned but becomes part of an archive of the project of which all participants receive documentation and a catalogue. Mail Art at StaincliffeIn the Summer of 2007, the Church hosted its first International Mail Art Exhibition Theotokos. The name of the Exhibition, from the Greek word meaning Mother of God included 34 images, literal, abstract and conceptual, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and her place in the Christian Tradition as the Mother of Christ. As such, Theotokos won critical and press acclaim, both locally and nationally. 2008 has seen two more Mail Art installations coming to Staincliffe. The first, Station to Station Via Dolorosa concentrated on images and concepts of the cross. With 32 artists from 18 countries, the range of works and of the places of origin of those who created them is impressive. In the Summer of 2008, A Flock takes Flight translated two-dimensional designs into three dimensional objects to be suspended from the church roof. This latter project has, for the first time, involved students from the famous Batley School of Art, thus introducing another local dimension to a truly international affair.
For more information about the Arts project, for past Exhibition Catalogues and CD Roms, email: arts@staincliffe.co.uk |
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