Romare Bearden

On Sept. 28, USPS will release the four stamps shown above. Each features a  work by Romare Bearden, one of the 20th century’s most distinguished American artists.

According to USPS's Beyond the Perf website, "Bearden is celebrated for his groundbreaking approach to collage along with his work in watercolors, oils, and other media. His art has also been praised for depicting African-American experience in its full dimensions and is in the permanent collections of major museums across the nation."

The site goes on to say, "The stamps will be released in conjunction with the 100th centennial of his birth, constitutes a collaboration between Bearden and art director Derry Noyes. But since Bearden passed away in 1988, this collaboration did not mean interacting with the artist, but rather, with his work — as well as experts who know it best."

Noyes decided on four collages: Conjunction (1971); Odysseus: Poseidon, The Sea God—Enemy of Odysseus (1977); Prevalence of Ritual: Conjur Woman (1964); and Falling Star (1979).

Apparently, Noyes goes to Post Offices to see how stamps are displayed for sale. She's quoted in the article as saying she "hopes the unique visual approach of the Romare Bearden pane will make a connection with collectors and the stamp-buying public — the last arbiters of the success of any stamp release."

To learn more about the Bearden and Noyes collaboration, click here.