Ray Johnson. A Bird Can Do Easy Flying, ca. 1956-1960

Stunning early promotional flyer. White sheet printed b/w, 35 x 21.5 cm, with cut-out shapes along the upper margin, as issued. Folded in four sections for mailing. Moderate scuffing to the left edge and a tiny chip along centre fold at the right edge; overall a crisp copy. Super rare. Held in the collection of MoMA Library New York.

The seminal American artist Ray Johnson (1927-1995), is best known for his pioneering role in correspondence art and collages. In the 1950s and early 1960s, he circulated flyers and booklets to promote his work as a designer and illustrator. This example depicts his characteristic hand-lettering and creative play with words.