Issue date: 20 Jul, 2017
CONTEMPORARY ART. ALBERTO SCHOMMER.
A new mini sheet forming part of the Contemporary Art series, which Correos has been issuing for some years.
On this occasion it is dedicated to the photographer Alberto Schommer, and the stamp shows one of his works, titled “Se pinta de violeta”.
Alberto Schommer was born in Vitoria in 1928. His father was a German doctor whose hobby was photography. His enthusiasm led his son to take up the art, which soon became his passion.
His artistic career began in painting, but in the 1950s he decided to take a camera and document life in his town.
He moved to Hamburg to study photography. On his travels, he encountered cities and people that inspired him to greater interest in portrait photography.
In the mid-1960s he moved to Madrid, working with newspapers like El País and ABC. He also became the official photographer of King Juan Carlos, and is considered the visual chronicler of the Spanish Transition.
He was also the first photographer to have his work shown in the Prado, which was a well-earned honour.
Figures such as Dalí, Felipe González and Vicente Alexandre appear in his portraits, full of intensity and meaning.
In his earlier career he photographed everyday scenes in different parts of the world, reflecting the ways of life, joys and suffering of ordinary people.
In September 2015 he died of cancer, leaving the art world bereft, but with a great artistic legacy. 63 published books of photographs, 20 photographic series, and a vision of Spain and the world that only he could capture with a click.
With this issue, Correos hopes to maintain the value of stamps as a medium to publicise, teach and disseminate many significant aspects of our country; in this case, contemporary art and this artist who so perfectly captured an era, a life, and an image of Spain.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.