The Postcard Project
A 2021 Project by Local A[na]esthetic
Olá, Nǐn hǎo, Selamat siang, Bonjour, Zdravstvuyte, Konnichiwa, Asalaam alaikum, Guten Tag, Namaste, Zdravo, Hola, Salve, Shalom, Shikamoo, Anyoung haseyo, Dzień dobry, Merhaba, Goedendag and Hello!
Welcome to The Postcard Project.
2020 - the long anticipated start of the new decade - was filled with an immense amount of change, challenge and chaos for many in our global community on a personal, professional and pandemic level. Amongst my many late night dwellings of the COVID-19 era, I found myself trying to be intentionally mindful. To quell general anxiety, I focussed on what it was in my life that brought me happiness, security, love and purpose.
During this time, I was also writing a letter to a friend on the other end of the country - one I had the pleasure of travelling Europe with in 2019, and who shares my love of classic aesthetics, art, architecture, stories and postcards.
Postcards, in their essence, are a time and location stamp. What style and type of art was a person drawn to, what did they find valuable enough to write on such a small space, and who did they feel would care enough to read it if it was sent?
And thus, the foundations of The Postcard Project were born. In a world increasingly divided by geography, economics, politics, religion, nationalism, moralism and every set of opinions in-between, what is it that fundamentally brings together a global community of people? Our humanity. We, of different cultures, upbringings, backgrounds, educations and life experiences, each feel love, joy, sadness and hate. The Postcard Project looks at facilitating a global connection in a modern world to focus on joy in light of the turbulence of life.
The task: to collate handwritten postcards from all over the world, of different sizes, origins and designs; all answering the ever-simple question - "What brings you joy?"
Why a postcard? I appreciate the contrast of using an old school communication method in a new world era, for a new school style of project. There is something terrifically unique about receiving a handwritten card, letter or note. For the sender, it is a chance to express something dear to you in a focused, intentional and artistic manner that is significant to your experience and style.
The aim: to create, collate and share an exhibition of snippets of very human joy from all over the globe. To celebrate multiculturalism, diversity and globalism in an era of restricted travel, incredible technological advancements and of constantly promoted cycled of productivity.
The process:
- Fill out this registration form
- Check your email for confirmation and for the postal address to send your postcard to
- Send your written postcard answering the question - "What beings you joy?"
- Please write in English, or provide a seperate English translation if you choose to write in another language. The translation can be supplemented in writing in a letter with the postcard, or may be emailed to ibarakovska@gmail.com.
- Wait for your piece to be delivered, processed and shared on @localanaesthetic, and have a read of other responses! Encourage family, friends and colleagues to join the project too.
In essence, The Postcard Project is a chance for you to pen pal an open letter to an international community so often divided by borders, but united by communication, through multi-media methods that celebrate both written content and aesthetic value. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to travel and meet people from all over the globe, and to grow up as bi-cultural, bilingual kid in one of the most multiculturally prosperous nations in the world. It has facilitated an incredible passion for multiculturalism, and I find myself incredibly passionate about diasporas, multiculturalism and all things relevant to the upbringings of an ethnic kid.
It may not be a passport, or an open invitation to travel the world, but I hope your participation in The Postcard Project is the best group project you ever find yourself in.
What are you waiting for? Grab a pen, and get writing. I look forward to reading your experiences, and for sharing the collection of responses as it grows.
Yours truly,
Izabela Barakovska
Founder of Local A[na]esthetic