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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Mohd Nasarudin Mohd Yusof

  • Malayasia
  • Disarmament
  • Nobel Peace Prize

Mohd Nasarudin Mohd Yusof became the first Malaysian recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for his team’s “extensive work to eliminate chemical weapons” at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). A former member of the Malaysian Armed Forces, the retired lieutenant-colonel joined the organization in 2011.

The OPCW is an intergovernmental organization established in 1997 in the Hague, Netherlands. It is comprised of 193 sovereign states and serves to oversee the elimination of chemical weapons of its member states. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded months after the Ghouta chemical attack in Syria, which was as an unfortunate reminder of the power and presence of these types of weapons. Mohd Yusof and his team at the OPCW were instrumental in aiding the UN investigation which led to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2118. Adopted unanimously, the resolution laid the framework for the elimination of Syrian chemical weapons during the Syrian civil war. 

Mohd Nasarudin Mohd Yusof has used the recognition he received from the award to encourage young Malaysians to pursue their goals and aspirations. Throughout his time abroad, Mohd Yusof has served as a proud representative of Malaysia stating, “When you work overseas, no matter how small it (your work) is, you are carrying your country’s flag”.

Malayasia

  • Population
    31,490,000
  • Capital
    Kuala Lumpur
  • GDP (PPP)
    $28,490
  • September 16, 1963
  • Total Area
    330,803 km2 (66th)
  • Demonym
    Malaysian
  • Government
    Federal parliamentary elective constitutional monarchy

Artwork

The backdrop of this portrait was inspired by traditional Malaysian batik textile art. To contrast the vibrant and bold surrounding, Mohd Nasarudin Mohd Yusof is portrayed in a softer rendering.

  • Illustration by
    Stephen Lim