Mail Art Periodicals - MoMA

(vertically, rather than a horizontal swip), produce a subtle graduation, rarely
seen in Western art technique printing techniques. Previous to creating the
numbered units in the "Brain Cell" series, Cohen used the gocco printing method
on postcards (often with the word "Cell" incorporated in the design), and then
began producing sheets with images, usually of his own creation. It was but one
step to the formal "Brain Cell" series, when instead of using his own imagery,
Cohen began collaging the graphic work of others. In addition to the gocco
printed sheet of graphic images, a second black and white photocopy sheet is
added, listing the names and addresses of contributors. This listing of
contributors, not only stimulated unprecedented interaction between
correspondents, but produced the finest road map to Mail Art networking activity
over a fifteen year period. This pre-"Brain Cell" sheet traces Cohen's path to this
extraordinary series of work.
(May 9, 1985). Gocco printing. 11"x8 1/2". (1 page). Another gocco
printed sheet prefiguring the formal "Brain Cell" series. The imagery is mainly
found, with the exception of the graphic taken from the work of Robert Rockola
(USA).
(July 25, 1985). Gocco Printing. 11"x8 1/2". (1 page). Found images,
stickers and an image from Guy Bleus (Belgium) are composed on this sheet,
prefiguring the formal "Brain Cell" series. The back of the envelope in which the
work is sent is printed with the following request. "Dear Friend: It is original
pleasure of mail art network which we make use of another persons seal or
stamp at will. Ourselves may be likened to one of the Brain Cell, it is crowed
without number and comes into superb object. At present art faculty of only
genius is no more necessity. I intend to collect seal or stamp of everybody into
one sheet and send back to each. Please send your seal or stamp to me."
No. 2 ([September 18, 1985]). Gocco Printing and Photocopy. 11
1/2"x16 1/2". (2 pages). The gocco printed sheet of images is now
accompanied by a second black and white photocopy sheet of paper listing the
artists whose work is collaged on the "Brain Cell" unit. 54 artists from 14
countries, including Nepal and India. The envelope is also gocco printed with
both graphics, and a text reading, "Net-Work is Concert/You are Conductor."
No. 4 (September 1985). Gocco Printing and Photocopy. 11 1/2"x16
1/2". (2 pages). Fifty-six artists from 17 countries.
No. 6 (October 1985). Gocco Printing and Photocopy. 11 1/2"x16
1/2". (4 pages). 56 artists from 14 countries. Includes the essay, "Brain Cell,"
by Ryosuke Cohen. "This time, I selected the title named "Brain Cell" by reason
of the structure of the brain through a microscope and a diagram of mail art