Description: Original two element Mail Art collage titled "Top...Female Camel" by the artist Ray Johnson (1927-1995). From the Estate of Producer and Screenwriter Gerald Ayres. The framed collage consists of two elements that are professionally mounted by Drummond Framing NYC onto archival white board that measures 9 1/2" x 8 1/4". There is a slight scuffing to the edges of the board the collage elements are mounted upon but they will not be an issue with framing. A professional framer should have no difficulty framing this artwork. The first element is a slightly irregular oblong image of a ceiling and wall, Ray Johnson has cut out above the center of the image the word "TOP" and with dark graphite written the word top. Measures "3 2/8 x 5 1/8" The second element is a collaged mix of elements and text. The mix of text reads includes the word FEMALE which was hand inked by Ray Johnson, next to that is a cutout word CAMEL and then after the image of a woman is the cut out of the word thank you. An Intriguing and engaging collage. Measures 2 3/8" x 5 2/8". The collage is undated, however is part of early correspondence between Ray Johnson and Gerald Ayres in the late 1950's to early 1960's. The condition is in very good. The is a slight wearing and aging to the edges of the "TOP" element and an age related discoloring to the "FEMALE CAMEL" element slight bend on the upper right corner, all of which are indicative of Ray Johnson's Mail Art. As stated above this piece was mailed to Gerald Ayres, regrettably the original envelope has been misplaced/discarded. Please review the photos closely. There is a matching cover of archival white board that displays tags for Christie's dated 2018 and bears assorted tags as well as the framers/mounters labels. The collage did not sell and was returned to the collection. Please look at the photos and contact me if you have any questions. Exhibition history: None Provenance: This Mail Art collage is from the collection/estate of the Producer and Screenwriter Gerald Ayres who was a friend and collector of Ray Johnsons artworks/collages. Ray and Gerald became friends in New York during the late 1950's and remained so throughout Ray's life. Additionally I will be listing a number of Mail Art with envelopes that include the names of pioneering avant-garde artists, writers, poets, theater notables, musicians/composers, designers, and such of the late 1950's and early 1960's. Simple as some of these Mail Art collages are understand that this is an uncommon opportunity to acquire a work of art that is also a piece of history from one of the most pivotal creative movements of the 20th century. Feel free to ask any for additional information and visit my other listings. Regards, Guy Ayres
Price: 2400 USD
Location: La Fargeville, New York
End Time: 2024-08-15T16:46:03.000Z
Shipping Cost: 18.4 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Artist: Ray Johnson
Signed By: Ray Johnson
Size: Medium
Signed: No
Material: Paper
Region of Origin: New York, USA
Subject: Actors, Celebrities, New York
Type: Collage and Assemblage
Year of Production: 1958-1962
Theme: Art
Style: Assemblage, Contemporary Art, Pop Art
Features: One of a Kind (OOAK)
Production Technique: Collage Mixed Media
Handmade: Yes