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10 October - 15 December 2002
22 cents is the postage cost for local mail. For 22 cents, you get
a piece of paper that is coated with gum on one side and applied with
colours, lines, symbols and icons on the other. The combination has
been described by some as 'miniature pieces of art' and by others
as 'ambassadors that communicate ideas'.
 Singapore
Philatelic Museum and Singapore Art Museum are collaborating for the
first time to explore stamp as art and design in two exhibitions held
concurrently at the Stamp Club Room and Anderson Gallery respectively.
While the Philatelic Museum explores the personal and subjective interpretation
of images on stamps, the Art Museum explores the influences that shaped
designers and their designs. A common element in both exhibitions
is design.
Design is the means by which ideas are capture and communicated on
stamps. What the stamp communicates is determined by the postal authority,
interpreted and represented by the stamp designer, read and interpreted
by the reader. This community and process is itself influenced by
the social, cultural, historical, geographical, political and economic
climate and developments.
 The
postage stamp therefore, is not just a thing but also a mirror that
reflects a point of view or a school of thought. It is possible to
simply love or hate it because of the combination of colours, lines,
symbols and icons. It is possible to read the images, symbols and
icons and comprehend the message. Some would deconstruct; point out
the unspoken assumptions, behind the images, symbols and icons reflected
on the stamp. It is even possible to subvert the intended message!
Singapore is a young and progressive nation. Within the short span
of 37 years, we have gone through a breathtaking process of rapid
transformation. What were the concerns, sentiments and aspirations
of the young nation during the early years? How and what did our stamps
capture? Have our stamps 'matured' with us?
 Discover
new insight to the humble postage stamp and its role in representing
and communicating ideas. Beyond challenging your perception of stamps,
we hope this exhibition has equipped you with a skill that would lead
to a greater appreciation of the material world that surrounds your
daily life and a greater sensitivity and understanding of the ideas
that shape you, your community and society. Ultimately, we hope this
exhibition plays a small part in cultivating visual literacy and a
culturally vibrant and creative Singapore!
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