A R T S T A M P . D K

STREET ART +

ARTSTAMP IN COMBINATION

Sam Jedig's Artstamp project represents a subtle yet incisive confrontation with established social and artistic norms. Through his artistic stamps, he creates small "cracks" in the social fabric, inviting critical reflection and dialogue. Artstamp intentionally positions itself at the intersection of the conventional and the experimental, playing with the boundaries of acceptable disruptions in public spaces.

Artstamp and its Context

Artstamp draws inspiration from both the historical avant-garde and contemporary movements like mail art and net art. These movements share a goal of democratizing art through free distribution and unconventional forms. Jedig extends this legacy by moving art outside traditional frameworks, as he previously did with projects like Stalke Out of Space. The Artstamp project underscores that art is not merely an individual journey but a collective action, encouraging public participation in its creation and distribution​

Hacking Symbolism

Artstamp "hacks" the postage stamp, traditionally a symbol of authority and national identity, transforming it into a democratic platform for artistic and political reflection. A notable example is his "burka proposal," where he humorously dressed Queen Margrethe II of Denmark in a burka to comment on the national burka debate. This stamp provokes both discussion and contemplation, showcasing how art can challenge power structures without breaking legal boundaries​

Artstamp as a Dialogical Tool

Jedig’s project uses both physical and digital spaces to extend art’s reach. Online, his stamps are freely distributed, aligning with his aim to remove art’s dependence on authorized institutions. The website Artstamp.dk and social media act as platforms for users to share discovered stamps and contribute to the project’s narrative​

Experiments and Confrontations

Over the years, Jedig has experimented with placement and interaction. From arranging stamps on a beach in Thailand to organizing small urban interventions, such as "hacking" advertising posters in Copenhagen in 1991, he seeks to engage people unexpectedly in art’s reality. His projects invite individuals to reconsider their relationship to art, authority, and the world they inhabit​

Traces of Existence

Each stamp serves as both a standalone work and a part of a larger collection. It functions as a marker of the time and culture it occupies, often leaving more than just a physical imprint. The stamps become symbols of existential reflection and social interaction.

In essence, Artstamp transcends being mere miniature artworks—it is a manifesto for artistic freedom, embodying art’s ability to provoke thought and connect people across boundaries.