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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Rigoberta Menchú

  • Guatemala
  • Human Rights, Indigenous Rights
  • Nobel Peace Prize

Rigoberta Menchú is a prominent figure in human rights activism and is well known for her advocacy of Indigenous rights. She has spent her life fighting for the rights of Indigenous peoples in Guatemala, particularly during and after the Guatemalan Civil War. Menchú has received numerous awards for her activism, including the Nobel Peace Prize and the Prince of Asturias Award, and is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. In addition to her advocacy work, she also founded Guatemala’s first Indigenous political party, Winaq, and ran for president of Guatemala twice.

Menchú’s book, I, Rigoberta Menchú, is a bestseller that sheds light on the atrocities committed during the Guatemalan Civil War. Her efforts have raised awareness of Indigenous Guatemalans’ struggles, and she is considered one of the most prominent figures in Guatemala today. Her dedication to promoting peace and Indigenous rights has earned her the respect and admiration of people around the world.

Menchú’s impact on the world of human rights activism and Indigenous rights has been immense. Her work has not only brought attention to the struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in Guatemala and around the world but has also inspired countless others to take up the fight for justice and equality. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots activism and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

Guatemala

  • Population
    16,173,133
  • Capital
    Guatemala City
  • GDP (PPP)
    $7,937
  • September 15, 1821
  • Total Area
    108,889 km2 (105th)
  • Demonym
    Guatemalan
  • Government
    Unitary presidential republic

Artwork

Rigoberta Menchú is an icon of the rights of indigenous people in Guatemala, she is an activist for the human rights of indigenous people during and after the war in Guatemala.

The Indigenous have been a very important part of the culture and development of Guatemala, however, they are the most affected and marginalized sector of the entire population.

Rigoberta Menchú's illustration tries to represent all of the burdens she absorbed by defending the rights of this sector trashed by rejection.

Her dress represents her with pride, representing in it all the rights of each indigenous person in Guatemala.

The explosions of color behind her are part of that drastic expression that carries from her to prophesy the dignity and rights of the indigenous.

  • Illustration by
    Luis Villeda