Michelle Shalmiev was born in a village in the Caucasian mountains and immigrated to Israel and settled on a kibbutz when she was 14. Her series “Putting Your Stamp on History” tells the history of Israel in 16 stamp artworks. The series includes this work which she describes in her artist statement:
“This artwork is a powerful and deeply symbolic collage composed of various Holocaust-themed Israeli stamps, forming a cohesive visual narrative of remembrance. Through the intricate arrangement of historical postage stamps, the piece evokes the profound impact of the Holocaust on the Jewish people, using philatelic art as a medium for historical reflection.
The collage incorporates several Israeli stamps issued to commemorate Holocaust remembrance and Jewish heroism. Among them is a stamp with the words “השואה והתקומה” (Holocaust and Revival), featuring a burning flame, symbolizing both the memory of those lost and the resilience of survivors. Another stamp depicts barbed wire and raised hands with the Hebrew word “זכור” (Remember), representing the suffering and oppression endured by Holocaust victims. Additionally, stamps featuring prisoner uniforms with yellow Stars of David evoke the harsh realities of the concentration camps.
A striking element in the composition is the repeated use of symbolic imagery, creating a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes both the widespread suffering and the collective memory of Holocaust victims. The presence of yellow buttons alongside black and white stripes is particularly significant, referencing the numbering system the Nazis used on Jewish prisoners in concentration camps. The buttons symbolize the dehumanization process, while the stripes reflect the uniforms worn by inmates.
At the center of the composition, a blue Star of David with the word ‘Jude’ appears prominently, a direct reference to the yellow badges Jews were forced to wear under Nazi rule. This element reinforces the theme of persecution while also highlighting Jewish identity and resilience. Surrounding it, the artwork integrates historical photographs, fragmented documents, and possible camp lists, adding authenticity and depth to the narrative.
The color scheme, primarily black, yellow, and blue, enhances the emotional impact of the piece. The dark tones represent loss and suffering, while the blue Star of David serves as a symbol of survival and renewal. The structured yet chaotic arrangement of the stamps echoes the fragmentation of Jewish lives during the Holocaust, creating an aesthetic that is both haunting and deeply moving.
More than just a collection of stamps, this artwork serves as a visual testimony to history. Each element functions as a reminder of the horrors of the past and the resilience of the Jewish people. By incorporating official Israeli Holocaust remembrance stamps, the piece bridges the gap between historical memory and contemporary education, ensuring that future generations never forget the tragedies of the Shoah. It stands as a powerful tribute to those who perished and a reminder to uphold the values of remembrance, dignity, and justice.”
Holocaust Remembrance Day begins at sundown on Wednesday April 23.
