Dear Santa,

Please leaf through Taschen’s latest multi-volume set on Peter Beard, enjoy it, and then pack it on your sleigh on Dec. 24. I’d very much like to have a copy. Even though you are a creation of Western/European culture and you probably skip over the Dark Continent on your Christmas Eve ride, I’m pretty sure you know about Mr. Beard (but in case you don’t, I’ve pasted some of his works after the “jump”). And I bet Bono has told you all about Africa. Its kind of a big mess right now. Even Bill Clinton thinks so. I went to Africa once, too. I saw some giraffes and some dead people. Anyway, there is something about Beard’s collages, despite mostly being made in the 60′s and 70′s, that speaks to the current situation of the world and the crisis in Africa via the collision of images of overt sexuality, mass media and mass extinction.

Merry Christmas,

Marv

P.S. When you come to my house I will have cookies and milk for you. I know you already know, but just as a reminder – my stocking is on the right side of the fireplace. I have been a good boy this year, I promise.