The new stamp series 'Colorful Curaçao' pays homage to the vibrant and colorful architecture of Curaçao. Instead of the well-known monuments often seen on postcards, this series focuses on carefully restored buildings that have regained their former glory. These special stamps were designed by Martina Doevelaar, a graphic designer and artist born in the Netherlands who has been living in Curaçao since 2010. Doevelaar began her career in 1986 and has recently focused more on art projects.
"Color is everything in Curaçao! Everywhere you look, it’s colorful, bright, and cheerful. This applies not only literally but also figuratively. The surroundings, the people, the sunny weather – passion and zest for life radiate from everything. You can see this reflected in the architecture as well," says Doevelaar.
The photo series was created in the public spaces of Otrobanda and Pietermaai, where more and more buildings are being carefully restored and repurposed within the local middle class. Often, the exterior of these buildings is less noticeable due to their commercial functions. Therefore, the commercial elements in the photos have been removed so that the beauty of the architecture can take center stage again. The background colors symbolize the often very colorful skies of Curaçao and complement the hues of the buildings. The chosen font has a robust and angular character that matches the contours of the structures. It is sans-serif to better highlight the ornaments and other decorative details of the architecture, as embellishments on letters and numbers could distract from them.
"There is still so much beauty to be seen in the streetscape that we sometimes overlook. By making the buildings anonymous, I hope that people will become more aware, perhaps even go in search of these buildings, and appreciate and cherish their beauty," concludes Doevelaar.
