ARCHIVE.
An Archive Collection of Anna Banana Ephemera
There are many aspects of “artistamps” that engage my attention. They parody an official currency/medium of exchange. People still do double-takes when looking at an envelope with “artistamps” on them. Because they look so REAL, the question always comes up, "are they real/legal?", "Can I mail a letter with these?" I like this aspect, because it startles people, and makes them question what IS real. – Anna Banana
BANANA, Anna. Approximately 50 documents consisting of postcards, letters, pamphlets, original collages and artist publications, dated between, 1972-2006, various places.
Anna Banana’s work took shape in the early 1970s and was largely molded by the ideas and values that permeated the alternative movements of that period. Born Anna Long, the artist re-christened herself Anna Banana and emerged as an assertive partisan of the counter-culture. She initially gained a high profile in her native Canada as a vocal exponent of unconventional lifestyles. As a prolific correspondent, as well as a performer, writer, and publisher, Anna Banana was one of the first artists to emerge as part of an important branch of Mail-Art. Many of her projects include the Encyclopedia Bananica, Banana Rag, and VILE magazine. Included in this archive is a selection of Banana Rag periodicals, modestly designed as "an attempt to communicate better with the public." A hand-drawn, quickly printed newsletter, Banana Rag had mixed objectives starting in 1971. Initially, she meant it to be a kind of “request letter”, and the idea was to collect in it anything associated with bananas. By the early 80's, however, Anna converted it to a mail-art news/forum zine, eventually converted to Artistamp News, reflecting Anna Banana's interest in the burgeoning field of postage-like stamps made by artists.
In 1974, Anna started Vile, a magazine in collaboration with Bill Gaglione, which turned out to be an important instrument in the expansion of the Mail-Art network in the seventies as did her Banana Olympics, the first of which was held in 1975. The archive also contains a vivid mail-art exchange with artist John Evans, through a myriad of letters and postcards. Moreover, in 1975 Anna started Banana Productions, a graphic art business which helped to finance Banana Rag, ArtStamp News (1991-1996), and International Art Post (1988- ) a periodical devoted to editions of artist's stamps, related ephemera included.
The archive includes:
Banana Rag, Numbers 6-8, 16,18, 22-24, 1972- 1988.
[BANANA, Anna]. The Sometimes Monthly Banana Rag No. 6. Victoria, B.C.: Fall 1972. Periodical; unpaginated; 3 pages; wrappers; staple-bound. Edition of 500, addressed to Ed Phunkett.
[BANANA, Anna]. The Sometimes Monthly Banana Rag No. 7. Victoria, B.C.: December 1972. Periodical; unpaginated; 3 pages; wrappers; staple-bound. In hand – stamped envelope addressed to Edward M. Phunkett, also containing certificate of Genuine Thanks, dated November 28, 1972 and signed by Anna Banana, 4 gummed stickers, and a Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, piece of stationary.
[BANANA, Anna]. The Sometimes Monthly Banana Rag No. 8. Victoria, B.C.: February 1973. Newsprint bi-fold; illustrated throughout.
[BANANA, Anna]. The Sometimes Monthly Banana Rag No. 16. Victoria, B.C.: Spring 1981. Periodical; 5pp; staple bound; postmarked on verso 1981; addressed to John Evans. Autograph note signed, Anna [Banana], to John Evans on page 3: Dear John – is this true? Buster Cleveland was supposed to have gotten it from Todd & given it to you. Please let me know. Thanks Anna (with drawing of a banana).
[BANANA, Anna]. The Sometimes Monthly Banana Rag No. 18. Victoria, B.C.: June 1984. Bi-fold periodical; postmarked 5 June 1984; addressed to John Evans. Autograph note signed on cover, Anna [Banana], to John Evans, John Thanks for the art, Sun. June 10 is at 407 E. 91 st. NOT the address on notice. See ya Soon! Anna (with Banana stamp).
[BANANA, Anna]. The Sometimes Monthly Banana Rag No. 22. Victoria, B.C.: March 1988.
Unpaginated bi-fold periodical.
[BANANA, Anna]. The Sometimes Monthly Banana Rag No. 23. Victoria, B.C.: August 1988.
Unpaginated bi-fold periodical.
[BANANA, Anna]. The Sometimes Monthly Banana Rag No. 24. Victoria, B.C.: December 1988.
Unpaginated bi-fold periodical.
[BANANA, Anna]. The Sometimes Monthly Banana Rag No. 26. Victoria, B.C.: October 1988. Unpaginated bi-fold periodical.Autograph note signed on front page, Anna [Banana], to John Evans: Hi John – I got back some og my stamps from Buster – via Ed Higgins – but believe the rest were sold + are never to be seen again (by me!) Ja. Felter also did not get his stamps back. Thanks for the banana goodies. Keep me posted. Anna.
Folder # 1 [1972- 1994]
[BANANA, Anna]. Mailing to Edward M. Phunkett including:
“Some Words from the Real Anna Banana on the Subject of Imposters,” carbon copy of 1 page typescript, June 23, 1972, with added holograph note and red imprints of “life membership in The Royal Order of Banana” and “Anna” rubber stamps.
Holograph note to Edward M. Phunkett on torn yellow sheet of paper dated June 23, 1972.
Mailed envelope to Edward M. Phunkettt postmarked Sooke, British Columbia 24 June 1972.
[BANANA, Anna]. Holograph note to Edward M. Phunkett with return address hand stamps for Anna Banana/Banana Productions and Daddaland/Bill Gaglione (now known as Picano Gaglione). In envelope with Z rubber stampings postmarked U.S. Postal Service 17 December 1974.
[BANANA, Anna]. Stamp Out Stamps. Amsterdam: Rubberbooks/ Aart van Barneveld, 1978. Punch-holed card announcing the release of “A Mail Art Commemorative Edition by Anna Banana, 100 numbered copies, handstamped, white, blue, purple, red.”
[BANANA, Anna]. Starspangled Banana. Postcard to John Evans (b.August 24, 1932, Sioux Falls, South Dakota) postmarked 2 October 197 - ?(1978 or 1979): Dear Jon/ Hope you had fun at that immaculate conception you were holding/ And SAY – have you sent off a banana to the hosanna show in Milan?/ I sent ya an invite – I’m sure. Let me know if not I’ll send another. If so how’s about DOING IT?/ Foolishly ANNA BANANA (rubberstamped signature)/ P.S. THANKS for the BOOK too…
[BANANA, Anna]. Anna Banana color Xerox numbered edition postcard to John Evans postmarked 10 March 1980. Postcard is #1 of 30, as marked on the verso. Dear John – Over is a photo of me holding a copy of VILE 81/2 – an add-on, send-on mail project of considerable proportions. Each of 10 copies going to a particular geographic region (to keep mailing costs down) – with a typeset table of contents of all the persons I’d like to see it sent to…and you’re in the USA/North & East issue. It seems I made a BIG mistake sending it first to Ed Higgins who sat on it for about 1 ½ months, then passed it on to Todd Jorgensen – who Buster sez is not Mr. Swift when it comes to mail-on projects. SO – in an attempt to get that issue rolling I’m asking you to ask Todd for it – he works at Jamie Canvass – 148 Spring St. This is above the call of duty – but if you can get into it – I’d REALLY APPRECIATE IT. Thanks – Anna.
[BANANA, Anna]. Black-and-white illustrated postcard to John Evans postmarked 7 April 1980 and rubberstamped with Anna Banana stamp. Haircuts by Anna Banana/ Apr 4/80/ Dear John – Thanks for the efforts to get Vile 8 ½ moving. I have written to Todd to ask him to just pass it on to you if he hasn’t time to work on it…so hopefully you’ll get it soon. Meanwhile Go Bananas! Anna Banana (rubberstamped).
[BANANA, Anna]. 1980 Banana Olympics. Surrey, BC, Canada: Surrey Art Gallery, 1980; double-folded poster mailer announcing the 1980 Banana Olympics.
[BANANA, Anna]. Mail Art Tribute 1980. Color Xerox poster, signed on verso in lower right corner by Anna Banana.
[BANANA, Anna]. The Final Appeal. Two black-and-white illustrated postcards; one rubberstamped Jul 31 1980 and announcing the premier showing of the 1980 Banana Olympics Video Tape.
[BANANA, Anna]. Toward the Future: A Program of Futurist theatre works performed by Anna Banana and Bill Gaglione. Illustrated event pamphlet with a program list and tour dates; color stains to front cover; with rubberstamped “temporary” address of Anna Banana and Bill Gaglione/ Dadaland.
[BANANA, Anna]. Anna Banana: Banana Perspective. San Jose State University, CA: Union Gallery, 1981. Black-and-white illustrated announcement flyer for event and lecture.
[BANANA, Anna]. Color illustrated postcard to John Evans postmarked 1982 and rubberstamped with “Anna Banana c/o Western Fruit” address and “Go Bananas!” stamp. Jan 22/82 Hi John a note to let you know that [Anna Banana c/o Western Fruit] will be in NYC Feb 21-Mar 6 CAA conf. Feb 24-7 – Maybe a correspondants dinner on Feb 2 81 Sun? I’ll be at 532-8183. Meanwhile Go Bananas! (rubberstamp) AB.
[BANANA, Anna]. “Why Banana?” Announcement card for a performance artwork at the Dallas Public Library, 1982.
[BANANA, Anna]. Anna Banana Answers the Mail: A Mail Art Performance Piece by Anna Banana. Greenport, NY: The Great Mail Art Supply Gallery/Anna Banana, 1984. Mailer for event addressed to J.N. Herlin.
[BANANA, Anna]. NY/SF Crspndnc sch rcptn by A. Banana. New York: Memo by/at random, 1984. Pictorial flyer printed on yellow paper, signed, dated and numbered at bottom edge, #4/12 Random 84.
[BANANA, Anna]. May 23- June 27, 1984. Typed letter stamped; 8 stapled sheets with holograph message to John Evans and mailing envelope postmarked Vancouver, British Columbia, 25 December 1984; numbered 8/12 in pencil on top left corner of first page.
[BANANA, Anna]. Anna Banana & Geza Perneczky. Color illustrated postcard, Koln, October 1986.
[BANANA, Anna]. Autograph letter signed, Anna [Banana], August 4, 1986; one page; letter laid in mailing envelope postmarked 5 October 1986.
[BANANA, Anna]. Autograph letter signed, Anna [Banana], to John Evans, February 8, 1987; one leaf of Farmacia Fischer & Soci letterhead; creased.
[BANANA, Anna]. Autographed Postcard Signed, Anna [Banana], to John Evans, March 25, 1988; rubberstamped “Go Bananas!” Hi John - / Here’s a pass-along from Richard C and a Banana Rag from me – it would be great to have you on the next International Art Post edition. Meanwhile – Go Bananas! (rubberstamp) Anna.
[BANANA, Anna]. Autographed Postcard, Anna [Banana], to John Evans, December 31, 1988. Dec. 31/88/ Dear John – Next time you find a gem like the “Stealin’ the Banana’ card – PLEASE use the enclosed envelope & don’t FOLD it! Otherwise – Many Thanks for it & the other banana goodies you sent/ Nov 20. / Have been pretty busy since my return – details in enclosed B.R. 24 - & samples of IAP #2. Hmm..I find that (crossed out) no so! SO – All the best to you in 1989 Meanwhile – Go Bananas! (rubberstamp).
[BANANA, Anna]. Two Autographed Postcards Signed, Anna [Banana], to John Evans, (1986-1991). [Provenance: John Evans].
Postcard one:
Dear John – Thanks for the Banana Club news, & kids recipe for a “different banana split”/ I’m in California for a residency at the Djerassi Foundation through May…then back to Vancouver [illegible] next edition of International Art post. Hope you’ll join. Did you ever correspond with Michael Scott – in Leeds? Hoping for a good response to both those projects – see BR for details. Meanwhile Go Bananas! (rubberstamp) Anna.
Postcard two:
Sept 1/88/ Hi John - / Will be in NYC Sept 20 – Oct 2. Hope to have a get together with the old NYCS crowd. Staying with friends Dogmatic 505-7154-+ Sarabee 529-6452 – both on E 12th St./ I’ll hope to hear from you. Meanwhile – Enjoy A.
[BANANA, Anna]. Autographed Letter Signed, Anna [Banana], to John Evans, February 19, 1991, with Banana Productions 1990 (?) list and order form; mailing envelope postmarked 25 February 91.
[BANANA, Anna]. Banana Productions Flyer for ordering International Art Post Editions stamps, Vancouver, 1991.
[BANANA, Anna]. Typed letter with signature hand stamp, Anna [Banana], to John Evans, May 12, 1994; with one 1993 sheet of stamps by Anna Banana; envelope postmarked 1994 with Anna Banana stamp; 2 stamps “International Art Post Sheet 2/2/ Vol.6 No.1, March 1993.”
Folder # 2 [1995 – 2007]
[BANANA, Anna]. The Original 100% Canadian Anna Banana color illustrated postcard, 1998.
[BANANA, Anna]. Italy Goes Bananas. International Art Post, Volume 11/#2, sheet ¼ Sechelt, British Columbia, Banana Productions, December 1998. Anna Banana at Sarenco Art Club, Verona, December 6, 1998 – January 6, 1999.
[BANANA, Anna]. Autograph postcard signed, Anna [Banana], to John Evans, April 24, 1999; “History of the war between Anna Banana and TV giant” postcard, 1998, with April 24, 1999 holograph message to John Evans, and Banana Post “Pope Banana” stamp.
[BANANA, Anna]. Autograph postcard signed, Anna [Banana], to John Evans, June 9, 1994; “ManWoman’s Mr. Death goes to Hollywood” postcard, 1989, and Banana Post “Laurie Anderson” stamp. June 9/94/ Dear John – Thanks for your letter re upcoming visit. Lunch June 30 sounds good – will confirm time and place once. I’m there. I wrote Ray asking to do an interview & got back a “Chinese Mickey” but no acknowledgement of my request. Held says Ray is really “quirky” now & doubted he’d agree to an interview. We shall see. SOON – A.
[BANANA, Anna]. Banana Productions business card for custom stamps by Anna Banana, sample stamp affixed, June 1994.
[BANANA, Anna]. Two black -and-white flyers, Haircuts by Anna Banana and Anna Banana Mostly Flowers Restaurant. [Ray Johnson, North American networkers and dad zines Steven Leiber, San Francisco, California, 1995].
[BANANA, Anna]. International Insecurity Souvenir Sheet, October 14, 2005, in envelope mailed to John Evans, with Banana post stamp on front, upper right corner.
[BANANA, Anna]. Autographed letter signed, Anna [Banana], to John Evans October 14, 2005, on verso of September 29, 2005 color photocopy, in mailing envelope numbered “23/25,” signed, and dated April 2005.
[BANANA, Anna]. The Eerie Traits of A. Banana. Original hand-made, stapled collage book, numbered, dated and signed on the first page: On of a kind book by A. Banana #10 7/06.
[BANANA, Anna]. Typed letter, Anna [Banana], to John Evans, November 21, 2006, signed with rubber stamp.
[BANANA, Anna]. Banana Productions business card for custom stamps by Anna Banana, sample stamp affixed, December 2006.
[BANANA, Anna]. Typed letter signed, Anna [Banana], to Jean-Noel Herlin, December 12, 2006.
[BANANA, Anna]. Typed letter signed, Anna [Banana], to Jean-Noel Herlin, January 25, 2007, with mailing envelope, postmarked, Jan 26 2007, Sechelt, BC, Canada.
[BANANA, Anna]. Autograph letter signed, in pencil, Anna [Banana], to John Evans; on verso, Banana Rag, number 35, supplement February 2007.
[BANANA, Anna]. Decorated envelope addressed to John Evans postmarked Sept 28, 2008; signed and numbered by hand “33/33 Anna” with stamped date Feb 29 2008 and a banana.
[BANANA, Anna]. Autograph letter signed, Anna [Banana], to Jean-Noel Herlin, September 23, 2007; on verso, Banana Rag order form, with mailing envelope numbered “38/46.”
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