Lick, attach and post. Postage stamps have a very definite yet ordinary function and except for philatelists or stamp collectors, they go relatively unnoticed by the majority.
Yet stamp design is a facet which deserves more attention as it is an art in its own right and a number of Maltese artists have contributed to the evolution and embellishment of the country’s philatelic history.
Emvin Cremona was decidedly one of the pioneers of the genre; a selection of his artworks used in the production of postage stamps has just been inaugurated at the Contemporary Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts in South Street, Valletta.
Organised by Maltapost plc in collaboration with Heritage Malta, the show is titled Emvin Cremona (1919-1987 Shaping A Modern Identity In Malta’s Philatelic Heritage.
Cremona become involved in stamp design in 1957, when he created the artwork for a set of stamps commemorating the 15th anniversary of the George Cross award to Malta. Other images capture Freedom Day (March 31, 1979), artworks for the Independence national coat-of-arms, and the national coat-of-arms, as well as more playful depictions of water skiers or fireworks.
The exhibition has been divided into three sections pertinent to Cremona’s prevalent themes and subjects, namely: The Human Figure, Pure Abstracts and Features From Malta’s Cultural Landscape.The pure abstract designs are perhaps the most cutting-edge when considering their date of creation – late 1960s. However, Cremona was very versatile and capable of producing artworks at opposite ends of the artistic spectrum.
In fact, other works on show reveal more traditional and realistic renditions, such as that of President Kennedy made for the 1966 commemorative issue.
The works all form part of the Maltapost plc collection. The show also includes the printing plates used in the creation of the stamps, thereby touching upon and representing the different stages in the developmental process.
Speaking during the inauguration, Maltapost plc and Heritage Malta chairman Joseph Said said Maltapost is working on the setting up of a museum in which to showcase its collection such as paintings, artworks and other items related to its history. Although a venue seems to have been identified, Mr Said did not want to reveal any further details regarding this project for the time being.
The exhibition, which is open daily between 9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., will run till October 17. Viewing is also possible today during Notte Bianca.