Jerry Dreva

Place: South Milwaukee

Born: 1945

Death: 1997

Biography:

Jerry Dreva was an American artist, writer, performer, activist, and teacher from South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is best known for his contributions to the mail art movement and his innovative approach to self-documentation and performance.

Early Life and Career

Born in 1945, Dreva was a key figure in the development of mail art, a genre that emerged in the 1960s. He was a founding member of the conceptual rock band Les Petites Bon-Bons, which never played a single concert. This project showcases his experimental and humorous approach to art.

Mail Art and Performance

Dreva's work in mail art and performance is characterized by his use of subterfuge and a wry sense of humor. He would often sneak out at night and spray paint public buildings in South Milwaukee, then report on these events as a reporter for the South Milwaukee weekly, sometimes signed by the Art Gangster. This blurs the line between art and reality, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.

Notable Works and Collaborations

Dreva's most famous performance involves sneaking out at night and spray painting public buildings in South Milwaukee. He would then report on these events as a reporter for the South Milwaukee weekly, signed by the Art Gangster. This work showcases his innovative approach to self-documentation and performance.

• He was a founding member of Les Petites Bon-Bons, a flamboyantly attired musical group that never played a single concert.
• Dreva was active in the local civil rights and anti-war movements in the late 1960s, and was devoted to the cause of gay rights on the local and national level.
• He was a writer and correspondent for High Performance magazine.

Legacy and Impact

Dreva's work has had a significant impact on the development of mail art and performance. His innovative approach to self-documentation and performance has influenced many artists, and his use of subterfuge and humor has made him a pioneer in the field. Mail art is an artistic movement centered on sending small-scale works through the postal service. It developed out of what eventually became Ray Johnson's New York Correspondence School and the Fluxus movements of the 1960s. For more information on mail art, visit Les Petites Bon-Bons or check out the Mail Art page on Wikipedia: South Milwaukee weekly. In conclusion, Jerry Dreva was a pioneering artist who pushed the boundaries of mail art and performance. His innovative approach to self-documentation and performance has had a lasting impact on the development of these genres. For more information on Jerry Dreva and his work, visit Art Gangster.