We are delighted to announce that the Åland stamp "Bark boat in a jar" by art photographer Christoffer Relander has been honoured with the Italian Academy of Philately and Postal History Award for Creativity at Asiago International Award for Philatelic Art. It is the first time an Åland stamp has received an award in this esteemed competition, often referred to as the "Oscars of Philately."
The award-winning stamp, designed by Finnish art photographer Christoffer Relander, was issued on June 9, 2023. The 54th Asiago International Award for Philatelic Art celebrated the winners during a ceremony on July 21, 2024, in the city of Asiago, Italy, where the Italian Academy of Philately and Postal History awarded the Åland postage stamp "Bark boat in a jar", lauding it for its innovative approach and expressive imagery.
The jury's motivation highlighted: “Awarded the Aland Islands Post for giving an artist full freedom to create a stamp and the photographer Christoffer Relander for crafting an evocative image, both realistic and dreamlike, that captures unquenchable childhood memories.”
Christoffer Relander describes his stamp as a preserved childhood memory from Åland. In a short film by Åland Post Stamps, he shares insights into the creation process of the stamp and how his stamp idea arose and was implemented: Visit stamp photographer Christoffer Relander – Åland Stamps (alandstamps.com)
The Asiago International Award for Philatelic Art is one of the most respected competitions in the philatelic world, and awards since more than 50 years outstanding stamp designs across five categories.
In addition to Åland, awards were given to the postal services of The Czech Republic and Luxembourg which shared the top honours, while Brazil, Croatia and Italy received awards in the tourism, environment and culture categories.
Order the stamp in the webshop, by post to Åland Post Stamps, P.O. box 1100, AX-22111 Mariehamn, Åland, Finland, e-mail stamps@alandpost.com or telephone: +358 18 636 639.