After stamps, Lego, comes the party

28 Feb 2012

When scheduling Design Indaba activities, don't forget to visit the SA Post Office stand (which will showcase the Art of Stamp Design), the large Lego installation by Nathan Sawaya and attend the Design Indaba party on 1 March 2012.

Stamp designers sought

"Since the days of the first South African stamp back in the 1800s, postage stamp design has come a long way," says Johan van Wyk, senior manager of Philatelic Services for the South African Post Office. "In fact, it has become a recognised art form across the world.

"There are a number of standard required elements on all stamps, like the denomination and country name, but in terms of the actual image, designers generally have artistic license and that is where the creativity comes in."

The choice of images for stamps is nearly unlimited and ranges from plants and animals, to historical figures, landscapes and even original works of art. Images can represent real-world objects or be abstract designs.

"Supporting local artists"

"We have a proud history of supporting local artists and enabling them to develop their skills and South Africa has benefited greatly from this because we have some of the best quality stamps in the world," says van Wyk.

Exhibiting at the Design Indaba is part of a broader initiative by the SA Post Office Philately division to encourage more local artists to take up an interest in designing stamps. The organisation has invested in institutions such as the Open Window School of Visual Communication, where it has assisted in creating programmes to ensure that the art of stamp design is practiced and nurtured.

Other features at the exhibition included a limited edition postcard as well as a special date stamp for any letters posted from the stand. The organisation is also looking for ideas for stamps to be launched in 2014 and is inviting suggestions, which can be made at the stand.

Large Lego

A large installation art piece, measuring about two metres high, will begin at the Design Indaba conference this week from 29 February-2 March 2012, when internationally renowned Lego artist, Nathan Sawaya, will demonstrate the collective power of great design as part of Absa's campaign for the 2012 Design Indaba. The final piece will be displayed at the Design Indaba expo from 2-4 March.

This will be his first visit to South Africa (and Africa as a whole) and he will be creating the piece exclusively for Absa and visitors to the 2012 Design Indaba. It will also be the first time he builds an art piece live in just three days.

Party time

The Design Indaba party takes place on Thursday 1 March at the Cape Town City Hall any time from 8pm. It will transform the City Hall into a party venue and bar, with live music from:

Floyd Lavine
Felix Laband
Mr Sakitumi & The Grrrl
Tumi and The Volume
C.9ine
Tommy Gun
Digital Rockit
Lady M

Sponsored by Grolsch and Fine Brandy, the 2012 Design Indaba Party tickets are available through Computicket for R100. Limited tickets may be available at the door.