In 2024, Piet Franzen, a captivating artist from Leiden, exhibited his mail art piece titled “The Activist” at the window gallery “De Prachtvink” near the Vinkhuizen shopping center, located at Platinalaan 505a, 9743 GZ Groningen. It must have been one of his final exhibitions since he died shortly after.
“The Activist” is a mail art creation measuring 12.4 x 16.7 cm, completed in 2023. With this small yet powerful work, Piet Franzen conveys his concerns about two major global issues plaguing our world: the war in Ukraine and climate change. Using a simplistic pen drawing of t-shirts on a clothesline, he playfully captures the essence of these issues. The shirts seem to narrate their involvement in various protest marches and demonstrations, thus requiring a fresh wash. Yet, despite the gravity of global problems, the activist must also remember their personal hygiene and continue with their daily routine of household chores, meals, and sleep.
“The Activist” is part of a long-running mail art series. Franzen’s artwork is characterized by the use of grey cardboard cards, all in the same format, to which he adds simple drawings and stamps. His mail art often speaks of sociopolitical consciousness and engagement.
Piet Franzen (1940, Amsterdam) pursued his art education in Haarlem and later settled in Leiden, where he managed his own gallery, SIDAC. Since the 1960s, he has been captivated by the art of FLUXUS, and has delved into painting, drawing, collages, and mail art. His projects heavily involve public participation and activist ideas. His larger art pieces have been frequently showcased in the Randstad area, while his mail art has made its way into collections around the world.
www.ftn-books.com is lucky to have one of the mail art publications by Franzen and it is now for sale.
