Postage Stamp UAE

Artist Statement

The Postage Stamp series, 2011–2013 , projects a vision of a free and independent Palestinian homeland. This artistic effort began in 2009 with Live and Work in Palestine, in which people could apply for a permanent resident card, and continued with State of Palestine, 2011–2012, a visa stamp for passports.

I have asked post offices in several countries to produce an official postage stamp with my design, which people can buy and use. Among the countries that have agreed to make these stamps are Germany, the Czech Republic, Belgium and Norway. I have received numerous postcards with the stamp mailed to me in Ramallah. The Palestinian Authority, however, is not allowed to make these stamps because the postage system is controlled by Israel.

My stamp was refused in Canada, France and Spain, and the process proved difficult in the Netherlands, where I could only print small batches. In those countries where I can’t make official stamps, I print unofficial ones.

As part of Sharjah Biennial 11, unofficial stamps are available at the Sharjah Art Museum gift shop and banners hang throughout the exhibition.


2013

This project was part of Sharjah Biennial 11