a selman project

It’s no secret that every nation has its own unique culture, demographics, and associated social issues. Unfortunately, sometimes our perception of many countries is shaped most by the negative issues which bubble up in the media. Worse still, is that many countries go both unheard of and unheard by the larger world.

Thankfully, every nation equally produces individuals who devote and sacrifice themselves to the principles of peace, freedom, and equality. The Peace Post project began as a means to shine a light on individuals from around the globe who are champions of peace.

As a starting point, we determined that every sovereign nation should be represented in the project with a few key disputed states entered at our discretion. As a referential guide for each illustration, we profiled each country with a keen eye on the progression of traditional and contemporary visual styles associated with the art and culture.

In choosing which individual to profile for each country, we first referenced Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, notable omissions, and various other international peace awards looking for potential candidates. In several cases when a nation was not represented by a winner of a major peace award, we used our own research to find an individual who represented associated ideals and actions of peace advocacy.

We elected to represent the chosen individuals as a series of stamps for several reasons. Stamps have a long history of commemorating important people and events. Stamps are collectible and shareable. Perhaps most importantly, stamps represent a vehicle of correspondence and dialogue.

Our goal was to learn more about these countries, the positive people there, and share their stories with you.

For more information please contact:
chris@selmandesign.com
peacepost on instagram:
@projectpeacepost
Copyright and disclaimer
The content of this web site contains information, photographs, and media intended solely for educational purposes.

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Fradique de Menezes

  • São Tomé and Principé
  • Human Rights
  • Zik Leadership

Fradique de Menezes is a São Toméan businessman and Foreign Minister who became the 3rd elected president of São Tomé and Príncipe serving two terms from 2003 – 2011. A beloved president, Fradique strived to govern peacefully even pardoning political rivals who staged a coup against him. Always diplomatic, Menezes even went so far as to suggest that he would leave office if he were “the reason that things are not working in this country”. During his terms, Fradique invested wealth from newly discovered oil reserves back into the welfare of the nation’s people. In recognition of his ethical practices, Menezes has been the recipient of the Zik Leadership Award, as well as, the Federation of World Peace and Love’s World Cultural Peace Award.

São Tomé and Principé

  • Population
    
196,268
  • Capital
    
São Tomé
  • GDP (PPP)
    $3,403
  • July 12, 1975
  • Total Area
    
964 km2 (184th)
  • Demonym
    
São Toméan, Santomean
  • Government
    Unitary semi-presidential republic

Artwork

The modern art from the small island nation of São Tomé and Principé—a result of Portuguese colonization—exhibits strong European influence. This portrait of Fradique de Menezes blends the colorful palette typical of the islands with impressionist flavor. The soft edges and warm colors invoke the inclusive spirit in which Menezes sought to lead his country.

  • Illustration by
    Katie King Rumford