Berlin based artist Stefan Merkt likes to lick his Art.  Literally. Since the 1980’s the openly gay Merkt has created his own rather stunning brand of portraiture and works of art completely made out of postage stamps. 

He is less interested in the face-value of the stamps he selects, than in their colors, forms and structures, and uses them all for his rather eclectic subject matter.  As well as our personal favorites of his Tom of Finland poses,  Merkt loves to re-interpret classic Comics illustrations, Pop Art images and a whole range of ‘exotique’ men too.

His work is very accessible and as queerguru talked to him he was preparing his 850th Exhibition.  Too date he has exhibited nationwide in less-traditional locations as varied as cafés, hotels, small galleries, doctor’s offices, a gym, a Swabian cowshed, a sauna and even a church in Berlin.  Merkt’s work is also available to view and purchase via his website http://www.stampagen.com/index.php/de/