Brain Cell 541
Dublin Core
Title
Brain Cell 541
Subject
Mail Art Network
Description
Ryosuke Cohen is a Japanese Mail Artist and art teacher who has been involved in mail art since the 1980s. This collage, sent to John Evans, consists of artistamps, stickers and drawings in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes, from several states and countries, showcasing a diverse assortment of subject matter. The reverse side lists the names and addresses of artists who submitted objects to the project. The collage is carefully constructed, with close attention paid to color, composition and positive & negative space. The stamps and stickers are situated in a way that engages the viewer with the text and images. The objects are arranged so that the page is packed with visual information, but none of the objects are jumbled, obstructed or appear haphazardly placed.
Ryosuke Cohen’s Brain Cell 541 and the Brain Cell project demonstrate the collaborative nature of the International Mail Art Network. Cohen began the Brain Cell project in 1985, stating that “the structure of a brain through a microscope looks like the diagram of the Mail Art network. Thousands of neurons clung and piled up together.” Artists submit their images and objects through the mail to Cohen, who then assembles the collages and sends copies back out to the participants. The project continues to this day, reaching Brain Cell #957 as of October 26th, 2016, with over 6000 participants from more than 80 countries to date.
Ryosuke Cohen’s Brain Cell 541 and the Brain Cell project demonstrate the collaborative nature of the International Mail Art Network. Cohen began the Brain Cell project in 1985, stating that “the structure of a brain through a microscope looks like the diagram of the Mail Art network. Thousands of neurons clung and piled up together.” Artists submit their images and objects through the mail to Cohen, who then assembles the collages and sends copies back out to the participants. The project continues to this day, reaching Brain Cell #957 as of October 26th, 2016, with over 6000 participants from more than 80 countries to date.
Creator
Ryosuke Cohen
Source
https://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/items/detail/ryosuke-cohen-mail-art-to-john-evans-18617
Publisher
Archives of American Art
Date
2002
Contributor
Jessica Perry
Rights
Artist Rights Society
Relation
[no text]
Format
Collage
Language
Multiple languages
Type
Mail Art
Identifier
[no text]
Coverage
[no text]
Files
Collection
Citation
Ryosuke Cohen, “Brain Cell 541,” Collaborative Correspondence: Mail Art from the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art, accessed May 10, 2024, https://collaborativecorrespondence.omeka.net/items/show/35.