Mail Art Periodicals - MoMA

SMILE. Karen Eliot (aka Drake Scott, et al.), Editor. Schiz-Flux,
Madison, Wisconsin. (1987-1993).
(No. 1) ([1987]). Photocopy. 11"x8 1/2". (16 pages). "Schiz-flux is newly
formed. We wish to transform the whole of everyday life, and all social relations
which are characterized by separation, alienation and non-participation under the
reign of capital. We will begin by studying situationist and other currents such as
neoism, PRAXIS, and post-structuralism. Then we plan to test the efficacy of
these societal critiques thru action, psychogeographic expeditions, and the
construction of 'situations'. Situations entail the freeing of various artistic
techniques from a limited application in the theater, gallery, music hall, etc. to
their application on the actual social field. The creative, transformative energy
usually associated with art is combined with the project of revolution. This
revolution is not spurred by duty of scientific socialism, but rather springs from
the productive apparatus of the molecular unconscious. Our goal is to make
possible self-realisation, communication and participation. This must occur thru
purely non-spectacular means."
No. 2 ([1988]). Photocopy. 11"x8 1/2". (26 pages). "Festival of the
Swamps," organized by Xexoxial Endarchy (aka Liz Was and Miekal And, USA).
"Orientation for the Use of a Context and the Context for the Use of an
Orientation." "Artists Strike." "If you like Smile and would like more people to
Smile, you might consider becoming a Smile distributor. We will forward copies
at our cost for bulk orders, plus tips for optimal salesmanship. Or better yet, put
out your own Smile magazine and form your own group called Schiz-Flux
comprised of de-individualed persons named Karen Eliot. Imagine the confusion
when 50 magazines hit the streets-all named Smile. Start by plagiarizing this and
other of your favorite revolutionary writings. Smile magazine is written and
conceived by Karen Eliot."
No. 3 (Fall 1988). Photocopy. 11"x8 1/2". 23 pages. The "Snarl" issue.
"Interview with Karen Eliot." Publication reviews. "Please submit articles, comics,
graphics, on the crafty, skillful, shrewd, subversion of the system. Energizing and
empowering action with makes one Hungary for more action. Tips for living as far
outside of the system as possible. culture that is outside the dominant reality.
needed are positive solutions to the problems of real living as well as 'low'
technology solutions to solving people's basic needs: food, clothing, shelter,
energy, transportation, defense and communication."
No. 4 (n.d.). Newsprint. 111/4"x8 3/4". 28 pages. The "Smirk" issue.
"Post-leftist pleasure politics." "Feral Faun versus Karen Eliot: The Master(s)
(de)bate." "Interview with Karen Eliot." "Society makes me sick. It is the web of
domination that steals my life from me. It has created a situation in which my life
is not my own, but is produced for me by forces beyond my control."