An Post has today launched /Imagine Ireland, a unique collection of two artist-led generative AI-designed stamps featuring crypto technology in a first ever for Ireland.
Celebrating the rich heritage of Irish life, An Post’s latest stamps offer a glimpse into a possible future shaped by technology and innovation. /Imagine Ireland is the only An Post stamp issue available as both a traditional stamp and a limited-edition crypto stamp. With the ongoing growth and development of AI transforming our world and how we communicate and express ourselves through art, An Post continues to embrace new technologies, as /Imagine Ireland marks its first form of generative art on stamps.
Collaborating with renowned Designer and AI Artist Kasia Ozmin, who crafted her visionary interpretation of an imaginary Ireland, An Post’s surreal crypto stamps continue to push stamp design boundaries with Irish artists.
Commenting on An Post’s first AI-Generated stamp collection, Des Morley, Chief Digital and Technology Officer An Post says, “We have a longstanding practice of applying innovation to our business – in this case, digital innovation meets one of our most traditional products; stamps. This stamp issue allows for a creative reimagining of housing and transport, blending the familiar with the fantastical to suggest new ways of living in harmony with Ireland’s natural landscapes.
“As one of the largest commissioners of original art and design in Ireland through our stamp design and commercial work, we are delighted to work with Kasia Ozmin to create something which is truly unique and innovative.”
Speaking on the stamp design, Designer and AI Artist, Kasia Ozmin says, “AI’s place in art should be as an aid, not a replacement for human creativity. It amplifies what we, as artists, can achieve, allowing us to explore new realms of imagination and expression that were previously inaccessible.
“The concept behind these stamp images was intentionally designed for those who may be unfamiliar with generative art. At first glance, the visuals evoke recognisable Irish landscapes, but on closer inspection, they invite questions. As part of my exploration of imaginary habitats, I envisioned a place where the cutting-edge capabilities of AI blend seamlessly with the familiar Irish landscape. This imagined world reflects a lifestyle that honours both heritage and the possibilities of the unimaginable.”
Envisioning new possibilities for urban and rural settlements, the traditional print ‘N’ national rate stamp (€1.40), covering postage on the island of Ireland, challenges our perceptions of housing, providing a futuristic solution. The ‘W’ international rate stamp (€2.20) for posting worldwide, explores the future of transport in Ireland. Stamps are available to purchase online or in-store at selected post offices from 26th September 2024.
As a limited-edition collection, booklets featuring the crypto stamp are available to purchase online atanpost.com/cryptostamp. Each crypto stamp is linked to a unique Non-Fungible Token (NFT) on the Blockchain and associated with a unique PIN code. Booklets are priced at €9.00 and also contain a traditional print stamp,
Collectors and enthusiasts can claim their digital stamps by scratching the PIN code from the booklet and then follow instructions on how to store the crypto stamps in digital wallets, where the stamps can be minted, saved, and traded online until the end of 2027.
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