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Funny and Fascinating Relics from the Life of Andy Kaufman

By Judy Berman on

Flyers for a highbrow lecture tour that never happened. A scrawled boxing challenge from a 4’8” woman (who also enclosed a photo of herself). A daily mantra card with a quote from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. A photograph of the subject impersonating Elvis. These are the strange and fascinating relics of Andy Kaufman’s life, which will appear as part of Maccarone Gallery‘s exhibition, On Creating Reality, by Andy Kaufman, which opens January 12 and runs through February 26. But fans won’t just have access to Kaufman’s ephemera at the show; a rotating cast of the comedian’s friends, family, and collaborators will also be on hand to hold “intimate and unscripted conversations about Kaufman” with visitors. Click through to see a selection of Andy Kaufman artifacts that will be on view — and if you’re in New York, make sure you take advantage of the rare opportunity to discuss the man and his myth with the people who knew him.

Snapshot of Tony Clifton, date and location unknown. Courtesy: Maccarone NY

One of thousands of pieces of hate mail sent to Andy Kaufman by women challenging him to a wrestling match, 1980. Courtesy: Maccarone NY

Photo of Stacy R. Pina sent with previous card, 1980. Courtesy: Maccarone NY

Andy Kaufman as Elvis Presley, still from “Soundstage Special” 1983. Courtesy: Maccarone NY

Promotional card for “On Creating Reality, by Andy Kaufman” (never realized lecture tour),1984. Courtesy: Maccarone NY (front)

Promotional card for “On Creating Reality, by Andy Kaufman” (never realized lecture tour),1984. Courtesy: Maccarone NY (back)

Andy Kafuman’s Transcendental Meditation materials 1968-­‐1984 Courtesy: Maccarone NY

Andy Kaufman’s daily mantra card. Courtesy: Maccarone NY

Andy Kaufman undergoing psychic surgery in the Philippines, performed by doctor Jun Labo, 1984. Courtesy: Maccarone NY