International Anthem #2, 1979

'I have publicly shouted out my distaste, a bitter BABEL that puckers THE MOUTH A SPIT. Now perhaps I stride out again into that snow covered field to stand halfway between resting posts.

'

TO STAND BEWILDERED AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN.

I feel the ice about my boots.

I WEAR BLACK, THE COLOUR OF DEATH. FLEETING IN MY ARROGANCE,

I turn to you.'

Penny Rimbaud, 1978

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International Anthem #2 was the Domestic Violence edition. Penny's essay, Fray Bentos & Other Personnel, constitutes the bulk of the writing - its mix of visceral hyperreality and absurdist drama making for fascinating, though somewhat disconcerting reading. The voices of Eve Libertine and Joy De Vivre can be discerned clearly. Naturally, Gee's collage and gouache creations are fabulous throughout - though telling which is which is no mean feat. One thing that has long perplexed is the lack of recognition Gee enjoys. It is doubtful that the artist craves attention - after all, no degree of acclaim improves art. But it is irksome when good art is overlooked. To moan further, Black Dog publishers issued in 2008 a lavish book titled, Collage. There's not a single mention of Gee in that book - a shocking neglect of an artist whom sits comfortably alongside Hoch, Rauschenburg, Hamilton, Stezaker, Rosler and Linder. Whinge over.

34cm x 27cm newsprint - scanned at 300 dpi

International Anthem #2