John Kaul is a man of eclectic tastes, impulses, and curiosities; these traits inform his photography and painting. His half-century of engagement in the political passions of his time, love of history, and fascination with postage stamps have joined forces to create something new. In this instance, it is a series of 43 truly original portraits of interesting subjects from every imaginable walk of life.

These portraits are done with gouache, a water-based paint with the consistency of oils.  Sometimes it’s the subject that inspires the choice of stamps and other times it is the stamps that dictate the subject.  The remarkably beautiful stamps come from countries around the world.  A number of the portraits feature notable figures–ranging from local to international–including iconic Norwegians, such as Her Majesty Queen Sonja, Edvard Munch, and Aurora.

Sheila Smith, former Executive Director for Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, says, “John Kaul has invented a new art form! Insightful portraits on envelopes with stamps that tell a tale about the person depicted. Fascinating.”

Kaul’s creations will be on display at Norway House from May 12th through August 27th.