brutalism fans rejoice, swiss post just unveiled concrete stamps made with cement pigments

the new textured stamp incorporates cement pigments

Swiss Post has recently unveiled a collection of concrete stamps crafted using cement pigments. These stamps are a tribute to Switzerland’s rich architectural heritage and are part of the post office’s Art in Architecture series, which celebrates the beauty of Swiss buildings.

The new stamp is crafted using cement pigments and has an ultra-matte finish that provides a tactile, textured feel. The design is minimal but sleek, portraying a concrete wall with subtle shadows. This new collection is likely to be a hit among collectors, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of concrete and brutalism enthusiasts. Concrete is an adaptable material capable of forming various structures, from modest buildings to intricate works of art. Additionally, it is a sustainable material that can help to reduce the environmental impact of construction.

all images by Swiss Post, unless stated otherwise

Swiss Post celebrates Concrete in architecture

According to the team at Swiss Post, concrete plays an important role in Swiss architecture. ‘Concrete helped this type of art, previously seen by most people as decorative, to become an art form in its own right. As a stamp design, the symbolic concrete wall represents an artistic pillar that characterizes Swiss Post buildings throughout Switzerland.’

Swiss Post has a long and proud history of supporting and collecting contemporary art since 1924. Today, the collection comprises over 400 pieces. They not only acquire art but also actively promote art and culture in Switzerland. In 2020, the company redefined its traditional commitment to art and established three pillars: The Art Collection, Art in Architecture, and partnerships with Art Events on the Periphery. In the years after World War II, the Swiss government passed a law that required one percent of the cost of public buildings to be invested in art. This led to the creation of around 180 ‘Art in Architecture’ projects, of which 75 are still owned by Swiss Post and continue to enhance public areas today.‘These artworks are part of our historical heritage, enriching the public space and telling us about a piece of Swiss history,’ shares the team.

A vibrant example of an Art in Architecture project is Felice Varini’s Trompe-l’œil on the walls and ceiling of Swiss Post’s Genève Mont-Blanc branch. The historic post office building features an illusionistic art installation consisting of a yellow circle that distorts into fragments as viewers move through the hall, providing a unique visual experience. The building, constructed in 1892 with Beaux-Arts design elements, showcases artistic interventions that blend modern art with its rich architectural history, enriching the interior’s aesthetic.

Another Art in Architecture illustration is a playful artwork by Sophie Bouvier Ausländer. Named URSINAE, the installation is positioned on the square in front of the BäreTower in Ostermundigen. When the sun is shining, the colored glass panels reflect on the natural stone floor, creating a kaleidoscopic play of light and colors on the square. In 2014, renowned Swiss contemporary artist Pipilotti Rist undertook an Art in Architecture project within the Steinengraben head office in Basel. Her installation, a plexiglass beaded curtain, adorns the six-story stairwell of the building’s interior and can be seen externally due to the building’s transparent façade.

The Art in Architecture projects showcase the integration of modern art with architectural history. Swiss Post’s commitment to creativity, spanning decades, helps preserve these cultural treasures as sources of inspiration for future generations.