Question 1

About the project:

Answer

In November 2020, a commemorative postage stamp of Batyrkhan Shukenov was put into circulation with the support of the Bulat Utemuratov’s Foundation and Kazpost. The name stamp from the “Art Workers” series was issued by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry.

Question 2

Creation:

Answer

The basis of the stamp was a portrait of the singer made in his Almaty studio by photographer Zhanarbek Amankulov. Together with the stamps, special sets of postcards were created, the design of which was developed together with local designers and artists – Mimi Ilnitskaya, Aziz Melibayev, Nurbol Nurakhmet and Assel Nussipkozhanova.

“It took us a long time to find a shape for the stamp: we painted portraits and made graphics. But it turned out that Kazpost and the Ministry of Digital Development have strict rules for commemorative stamps: they can only be two-color, so it was decided to stop at photography. This photo captures one of the happiest periods of Batyr’s life. We would like people to remember him as such”.

Question 3

Issue:

Answer

The stamp was accompanied by the #BatyrLetters campaign, where people could send a free postcard with the artist’s image to a loved one.

“This year is the fifth anniversary of Batyr’s absence. Spontaneous commemorative events throughout the country showed us how close and important his person was to the people of Kazakhstan. In this strange year, we would like people to write to each other more often, to be closer and more attentive. We are sure that a handwritten message is especially warm”.

The goal of the campaign was to honor the musician and unite people from different parts of the country who were separated during the global pandemic. In ten locations in Almaty, mailboxes and postcard sets with stamps were placed where anyone could send a message to their loved one.