Chaotic, abstract and multi-interpretable New Dutch Design stamp missive

With the announcement of the second New Dutch Design issue, the visions and perspectives of the student designers come to the fore more clearly and convincingly. A consistent perspective/structure is recognizably present across the four New Dutch Design issues, consisting of a general main title with an associated subtitle.

The collector's introduction to these abstractly executed stamps can vary considerably. A 'man of reason' interprets the stamp in a businesslike, detached manner, while a 'man of feeling' interprets it in an involved, emotional way.

Emission data

Designer: Nicole Uniquole is a 2nd year Graphic Design student at ArtEZ University of the Arts in Zwolle with Nicole Maas (Delft 2003) & Yael Veeningen (Swifterbant 2006)
First day of issue: Friday 8 May
Edition: 75.000 stamp sheets
Printing press: Royal Joh. Ensschedé BV in Haarlem.

It is difficult to determine whether this abstractly executed sheet of stamps should be viewed horizontally or vertically. The reason? Both stamps possess
[1] no recognizable images;
[2] are depicted facing each other;
[3] text and barcode are perpendicular to each other.

Which position of the two stamps is the most appealing to you?

1) Objective or subjective execution and assessment

[1] You intelligently and factually identify the different colors combined with various shapes. The assessment is brief without substantiation: “Unattractive”, or “Bad!”
[2] You assess the overall picture with feeling and weigh up: “How are the relationships between shapes and colors on a vertical and/or horizontal stamp? You are, as it were, having an individual conversation with yourself and it takes some time to arrive at a conclusion.”

2) Design method

The press release reveals that students were given the vaguely defined assignment to design a stamp that conveys the conviviality of a festive, cheerful gathering. After discussion and sketching sessions, eating, tasting, and drinking at a (fairground) party became the starting point for this issue.
More specifically: “In what way do you come into contact with this and what kind of things are you served?”

[1] What and [2] in what way? [3] And in what forms and [4] atmosphere?
[1] Cheese, grape, olive, cucumber, celery, toast and sausage & meat slice. At the fair oliebol, fries, popcorn & fast food.
[2] Via plastic container, cup, glass and/or plate.
[3] Variety of shapes such as round, oval, square, oblong & rectangular.
[4] Festive, cheerful atmosphere of communication.

The four principles above have ultimately been abstractly captured on the stamps in geometrically detached forms (1 to 3) and (4) in cheerful, bright colors, but also with some somber colors. In a black and white photograph, the bright colors dominate in the foreground, whereas the somber ones refer to the background. This creates space, which is highlighted even better with color perspective.

3) Multi-interpretable and too general approach

The student designers have attempted to depict the chosen subject of a cozy and festive gathering in an abstract manner using many colors and shapes. To me, the stamps come across as a disorganized, chaotic, and meaningless mess.

The abstractly executed stamps could also relate to entirely different subjects, such as a protest demonstration by protesters campaigning with multicolored flags and protest signs. It could also have been the King's Day celebration in Dokkum, with the route of the royal family (symbolically depicted in the circular shape) through the city past the eleven locations with presentations.

Due to the overly general nature of the stamp images, I wonder where the innovative and progressive nature of this and the previous New Dutch Design issue can be found. For me, this is a question that will undoubtedly not be answered.

The abstract imagery and color support of the door stamp from the 1987 Children's Stamp School Campaign provides a counterpoint of calm and clarity.

4) Series data of four emissions with vague ancillary function content

a) Recurring memories: emphasis on the past with the 'then and there' with colored remembering, looking back / reflecting on a distant past (February 16 edition).
b) Taste the atmosphere: emphasis on current events in the 'here and now' with experience the moment of enjoyment / feeling (May 8 issue).
c) Glow of the moment: emphasis on current events in the 'here and now' with the feel of a contemporary moment of experience and/or perception (edition August 10).
d) Echo of the party: emphasis on the recent past of the 'then and there' with colored remembering, looking back, or looking past (edition September 28).