Experience the Engaging World of Mail Art @zygotepress

 

Fri 6/6 @ 6pm

The latest exhibition at Zygote Press highlights a very special group of artists who make handmade mail art. In an increasingly fast-paced, impersonal world, talented “pen pals” from all across the world are sending each other these one-of-a-kind creations. One might feel compelled to refer to them as “postcards,” but once you’ve seen them for yourself, you’ll see they are much more than that.

In 2012, Cleveland-native Michael Polk created a documentary about his high school classmate Amber Esner and her nationwide network of mail artists. This may sound familiar to some of you because Waterloo Arts hosted Making Mail (featuring a film screening and exhibition of mail art) this past winter. In fact, Zygote’s own Liz Maugans connected Polk with Waterloo Arts for the initial exhibition.

Esner is a recent graduate of Cleveland Institute of Art, and is curating this exhibition in collaboration with her friends at Zygote Press. The show will include original mail art, a screening of the documentary and more.

Mail Art : Show + Film Screening is an exhibition based around the documentary Making Mail directed by Michael Polk,” explains Esner. “The exhibition will showcase 8 of the 12 artist’s unique styles from the film, as well as show various mail pieces collected from the artists over the years. The show will include a screening of the actual film, hands-on interaction with the actual mail art and a chance to be part of the show with a mail-making station in the gallery.”

Mail art is, by its nature, a non-commodity – anti-commercial. The works are (almost) always given away to the specific person each was created for. This personal, altruistic intent is essential to the purity of this art form. Sorry collectors, but you’ll have to discuss commissions with the artists directly. However, all guests will have a chance to create their own mail art using supplies provided by Zygote Press and Esner.

The best part is, after the show you can mail these handmade gifts to any recipient you wish. They’re sure to love it, and you just might find yourself making more mail art. Stop by Zygote Press this Friday evening for an exciting, interactive opening reception with the artists.

For the sake of full-disclosure, over the past few months I’ve worked with Amber in another capacity – she was my boss at one of my part-time jobs. I recently left for an exciting new opportunity, but I have nothing but the nicest things to say about Amber. During the last few months of preparation, I’ve received first-hand insight into this exhibition, and I’m very confident that this will be a very engaging and inspirational experience.

http://ZygotePress.com

 

 

Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Cleveland, OH 44114

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