Gendered memory and miniaturization in graphic design: Representations of women on israeli postage stamps

Abstract

This research investigates postage stamps as a communication design medium that has a key role in the construction of national gendered commemoration. By examining the commemorative depiction of women on Israeli postage stamps, we analyze approaches to miniaturization and discuss graphic design's implications for the visual articulation of gender within national culture. We further discuss the impact of technological transformations and digitization processes on postage stamp design. We apply social semiotic methodologies, archival research, and interviews with the designers, presenting new findings pertaining to research for design. As such, the present research expands our understanding of small-scale communication design for smartphones, icons, and logos.