SQUARE ’88 [postcard]

PETASZ, PAWEL, org.

Elblag: Centrum Sztuki—Galeria El, 1988. No binding. Postcard measuring 11 x 16 cm (4.3 x 6.3"), printed in black at recto on thick uncoated card stock.

Artists’ postcard by Pawel Petasz featuring a call for entries for ‘SQUARE ’88,’ one of the first exhibitions focusing on computer-generated artwork as part of the International Network. The show was devoted to “computers, ideas, suggestions, computer-aided visuals, videos (VHS) and audios, and computer programs.” The submission deadline was August 30, 1988, and it promoted a workshop held September 13–16, 1988, where “Amstrad, Atari, Commodore, Sinclair Spectrum computers, and IBM systems will also be available.” The postcard goes on to state that “artists willing to participate personally in the workshop, or by Modem connection” should get in touch. Clearly, the digital age was thriving in Poland in the late ’80s. The postcard opens with an introduction commemorating the eleventh anniversary of the ‘CIRCLE ’77 Mail Art Show,’ the first such showing in East Europe, held in 1977. Both exhibitions were curated by Petasz.

Artifact Vibration Standard Score: 7.7.

Trace amounts of age toning and bumps to corners, with postage franking, stamps, and signs of mailing at verso. Very good.

[TIOTB Catalog 6 item 6f.]. Item 1225.