Historic Northampton


Programs & Events

Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton presents

The Stamp Act: Continuous War on the Earth by US
by Karen Skelton and Phil Johnson

October 10 - November 9, 2014

The Stamp Act

World War II ration books and ration stamps have "triggered" a Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton exhibition called The Stamp Act: Continuous War on the Earth by US by the designer/writer team of Karen Skelton and Phil Johnson. A war ration booklet in the museum's collection inspired Skelton and Johnson to ask, "Why not ration war?" Adopting the perforated ration stamp design, the artists created prints of 45-50 framed narratives and visuals relating to major United States wars as well as metaphorical wars such as the War on Drugs. "Our Stamp Act is a cry for peace on all fronts," says Skelton, "which is the only hope for healing wounds and preventing further damage to Mother Earth, home to all living beings."

war rationale booklet

Skelton and Johnson have created a war rationale booklet modeled after the ration stamps and booklets that inspired this show. It includes promotional materials used to inspire citizens to sacrifice to support the fight against fascist aggression that threatened the United States and its allies during World War II. The show also includes artifacts from the collection and opportunities for comments, additions and corrections from viewers. The Stamp Act: Continuous War on the Earth by US will open Friday, October 10th with an opening reception from 5 to 8 pm during Northampton's Arts Night Out. The exhibit is on view through Sunday, November 9th. Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton is a joint collaboration of Historic Northampton, the Northampton Center for the Arts and A.P.E. Gallery.