6 October 2023

Austrian Post's exhibition 'The Digital Metamorphosis' offers insights into the interplay between administration, technological development and art, from Koloman Moser to NFT artist Manuel W. Stepan

On the occasion of the issuance of the one millionth crypto stamp, Austrian Post (Österreichische Post AG) is celebrating the development of postal services since the 19th century with the new exhibition 'The Digital Metamorphosis' at theartworkersroom* in Vienna from 5 October to 30 November 2023, featuring the historical innovations of the Austrian postal service, such as the first newspaper stamps (1851), the first postcard (1869) and the world's first crypto stamp on the blockchain (2019).

The interplay between administration, technical development and art plays an important role in the exhibition. Especially mentioned in the press release are the designs of Koloman Moser (1868 - 1918). It is stated that Koloman Moser's designs have revolutionized the depiction of stamps and have been discovered as works of art and images of the present. On https://news.post.at/presse/ it is mentioned that he was the first to use landscapes as motifs, rather than just numerals or images of rulers.

The Digital Metamorphosis exhibition showcases both analog and digital innovations in Austrian stamp design. The highlight of the exhibition is the sculpture JellyPoolBear RC 155+ created by artist Manuel W. Stepan. This sculpture is a tribute to the one millionth crypto stamp and is connected to a unique NFT, which represents the stamp on the blockchain.

In addition to the Crypto Stamps, Österreichische Post AG has initiated an NFT collector's series, the Crypto Stamp Art, which is explained in more detail at https://www.post.at/cryptostampart. At the exhibition, the concept of Crypto Stamp Art is introduced to visitors with a Crypto Stamp game developed by the Viennese game engineers of the studio 'Enhydra Games'.

Image, from left: Patricia Liebermann, Head of Philately, Österreichische Post AG,, Georg Pölzl, General Director, Österreichische Post AG, State Secretary Florian Tursky and artist Manuel W. Stepan at the opening of the exhibition 'The Digital Metamorphosis' on 4 October 2023. The group stands in front of the sculpture JellyPoolBear Real Crazy 155+ "one five five plus" by Manuel W. Stepan. 'The Digital Metamorphosis' can be visited free of charge from 5 October to 30 November 30 2023 at the theartworkersroom* in the Wiener Werkstättenhof, Linke Wienzeile 178, 2nd floor, in Vienna. Details on opening hours can be found at https://www.theartworkersroom.com/ausstellung092023/. Photo: © Österreichische Post AG.