An artistamp refers to a form of artwork that imitates a postage stamp, but is not officially recognized or authorized for use by any postal authority. It is a term coined by combining the words "artist" and "stamp." The concept behind an artistamp is to create a miniature piece of art that resembles a postage stamp, often depicting various designs, themes, or symbols.
Artistamps are typically created by artists or individuals interested in exploring and expressing their creativity through non-traditional means. They are often designed to mimic the format, size, and appearance of legitimate postage stamps, utilizing similar graphic elements such as perforations, denomination, and intricate detailing. However, artistamps are not intended for actual postal use, serving solely as artistic and collectible items.
The artistic possibilities of an artistamp are vast, allowing artists to explore various themes, styles, or political messages. They can be crafted using a wide range of mediums, including drawings, paintings, digital art, collages, or even assemblages. Artists often use artistamps as a means to express personal or societal messages, challenge conventional norms, or pay homage to historical events or cultural icons.
While artistamps are not officially sanctioned by postal authorities, they hold significant value within the art community. They are often traded, exhibited, or collected as unique pieces of art, showcasing the imagination and artistic prowess of their creators. The unconventional nature of artistamps has made them a fascinating and distinctive medium for artistic expression.
