Papergirl is an art project which, in the style of american paperboys, distributes rolled art pieces by bicycle to random passers-by in the streets. It consists of an exhibition, the action (distribution of the art) and a party.
The project was founded in Berlin by Aisha Ronniger and has been carried out once a year in summer since 2006. Now Papergirl #2 will take place in our City, Cape Town, this summer 2011.
The basic idea with the project is to bring art to the public in a different way than normal; to surprise people and bring them into contact with art in their everyday life. The idea of distributing art by bike came from the search for new ways to bring art straight to society, and have fun doing so!
Papergirl is, in short: participatory, analogue, non-commercial and impulsive.
This means:?Everyone can participate by submitting art and/or by helping with the distribution. As we don´t select, it´s the artist who decides what he wants to show and hence give away as a present. Papergirl is distributed like a newspaper, but not edited or printed like it. It consists of art pieces which are rolled up together. Contributions are handed in by mail or personally and are later included in the art rolls. There are no guidelines as to format, subject matter or quantity. So originals, prints, photos, copies etc. come together. Each roll contains 10-15 different works, meaning that each one holds a unique combination of works! The art rolls cannot be sold and they are not delivered to subscribers. Anyone who catches a roll is lucky, and money can’t buy luck! Giving the work out by bike means that there is no time for any stereotypes when choosing recipients of the pieces. You have to react fast and spontaneously. The motto is: Giving something is most fun?when you don’t expect anything in return!
Papergirl No.4 - 379 Rolls (full of art) from Papergirl on Vimeo.
