Run by E.E. Vonna-Michell (1950–2020) from the mid-1970s until the early 1990s, Balsam Flex remains a true enigma amongst small press publishers, even in the already baffling field of artist’s publications produced in a DIY manner (or, more appropriate in most cases: DIT as in do-ittogether, a term introduced to me by artist, musician and writer Chris Mann). Releasing experimental art and poetry works (foremost sound poetry) that expanded the notion of poetry, as well as documenting performances that happened mainly in and around London, the activities of this publishing project can be associated with the ‘British Poetry Revival’. It ought to be recognized as a rather singular practice though, due to its utilization, and oftentimes misuse, of media and technology and a highly idiosyncratic approach.
(Excerpt from text by Marc Matter published in Jan Mot Newspaper no. 130)
“Fills the Room of Your Choice. A sniffing apparatus for the head, KHAASHA-200 will replace the anxious odors of the world with the single, stable scent of your desire! This elegant piece of jewelry made of gold or silver holds the source of the smell you want to smell―by inclination.” Illustration to an announcement for a ‘sniffing device’; brochure for “series 3” of the Balsam Flex publishing project from the mid 1980s (detail)
Catalogue listing of Balsam Flex audio cassettes 1-40 (insert sheet)
“Fills the Room of Your Choice. A sniffing apparatus for the head, KHAASHA-200 will replace the anxious odors of the world with the single, stable scent of your desire! This elegant piece of jewelry made of gold or silver holds the source of the smell you want to smell―by inclination.” Illustration to an announcement for a ‘sniffing device’; brochure for “series 3” of the Balsam Flex publishing project from the mid 1980s (detail)
