Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1920 - 1922

This is a postcard to Philip Zilcken, sent by Vittorio Pica in 1920. What's interesting here is how the artist works with the readymade, with the found qualities of the postcard itself. Look at how the textures vary: the smoothness of the paper, the ink of the stamps, the handwriting, the smudges and creases from being handled and mailed. The layering of these marks reminds me that art isn't just about creating something from scratch but about engaging with the world around us. It’s like a conversation, a back-and-forth between the artist, the materials, and the recipient. The green stamp, for example, it is partially obscured by the Paris postmark, yet this small imperfection somehow enhances its charm. This postcard reminds me of work by Ray Johnson, with its interest in mail art, exchange and the postal system. To me, the act of sending something through the mail is an act of hope. This postcard is a reminder that art can be found in the everyday, in the simple act of reaching out to another person.