“re-respirar” special stamp by Mirko Baselgia

In 2020, Swiss Post realigned its traditional commitment to art based on three pillars. A specially created stamp was dedicated to each of these pillars as a kind of ambassador from 2020 to 2023. This year, we’re looking back at 100 years of our commitment to art. That’s why we invited four artists from different parts of the country, whose work is already displayed in our collection, to take part in a competition. The themes defining our new collection strategy acted as a guideline. Mirko Baselgia, winner of the competition, is now launching the new series of art stamps relating to Swiss Post’s commitment to art.

Is it a tree or an organic structure? Baselgia based his stamp design on the image of a trachea turned upside down. The outlines of an imaginary tree symbolize to Baselgia the primary, indissoluble connection between the human, animal and plant worlds. He was interested in visualizing communication and the connection humans have with each other and with other species, elements and the environment, prompting him to sketch the outline of an imaginary tree. The tree shape symbolizes the mutual dependency between plants, animals and people. “This is a recurring theme in my work and I think the decisions we make and actions we take whilst keeping these interdependent relationships in mind can positively change the way we interact with our planet”, says Baselgia. This awareness lets us interact with other people and living beings with empathy and solidarity, and form a healthy respect for the environment and its natural resources.”

The inks for the original work entitled “re-respirar” were produced by the artist himself from a collection of walnuts and buckthorn berries. Fitting to the work’s main theme, he used his own breath to spread the pigments and ink onto hemp paper. The backing paper for the final stamps is made of bamboo.

The stamp is sold out and can currently no longer be ordered.