1976-05-18

REINDEER WERK

MOTT YECKUP,
12 CASTELL HOUSE,
DEPTFORD CHURCH ST.,
LONDON SE8.
18th MAY 1976
tel. 01-691 1758

Dear Henning Christiansen,

You may not know about Reindeer Werk, but we are two artists working in the field of ‘Behavioural’ art and actions. I enclose for you two texts dealing with some of our concerns.

The reason I am writing to you is to request from you some material (written/diagrammatic/photographic) for an English magazine, 'Musics', for which I am guest editor this July. 'Musics' is normally devoted to improvised music and free jazz, but the issue I plan to do will be one entirely on actions and performance art. I would particularly be interested to receive from you some materiel on your collaborative work with Joseph Beuys, say something on one piece such as ‘Haupstrom’, ‘Eurasienstab’, ‘Celtic Symphony’, or others. I feel it is important in such a project that I am undertaking, to be able to publish at least one piece on a really seminal work in the development of actions. My own preference would be in ‘Celtic Symphony’, but may I put the choice in your hands if you are interested in what I have suggested.

Incidentally, ‘Musics’ is by no means a ‘super-glossy’ magazine, but one run entirely by artists and musicians on a voluntary basis, thus enabling all money to be recirculated into the material costs of day-to-day running. It has a wide circulation in England and some continental countries. It is by no means Flash Art, but is nevertheless constant and serious.

I do hope you are interested. Perhaps you could write me a short letter if you are, and I would be very grateful to receive the material in the next 3 - 4 weeks if possible.

In case you are wondering how I obtained your address, it was from Jean Sellem at Galerie St. Petri, Lund, where we made actions last

[s. 2]

September. There I heard and read many interesting things about you and your activities. It is nice to be in contact with you.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Sincerely,

Mott Yeckup.