Ray Johnson: A Pioneer of Collage and Conceptual Art Ray Johnson (1927-1995) stands as a singular figure in American art history, embodying the spirit of Neo-Dada, Pop Art, and Conceptual art simultaneously. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he emerged from the postwar avant-garde scene with an uncompromising vision—one that prioritized playful experimentation over traditional artistic conventions and actively challenged notions of authorship and materiality. His legacy rests on a distinctive approach to collage, his groundbreaking “Correspondence School” mail art practice, and provocative performa…