Kora on the stamp of the "Stars of Polish Music" series
On June 8th, Poczta Polska will introduce a stamp featuring Kora, an icon of Polish music, into circulation. This is the latest in the popular "Stars of Polish Music" series, which has previously honored artists such as Krzysztof Krawczyk, Zbigniew Wodecki, and Anna Jantar.
The stamp features a black-and-white photograph by Andrzej Świetlik depicting Kora wearing sunglasses, a staple of the artist's stage presence. The first-day-of-circulation (FDC) envelope accompanying the issue features a portrait photograph of Kora and her life partner, Kamil Sipowicz, taken by Michał Mutor, and the inscription: "The world without us was and will be without us...", signed by her. The lower part of the envelope features the titles of her most famous hits. A commemorative date stamp, consistent with the visual concept of the "Stars of Polish Music" series, designed by the late Marzanna Dąbrowska, completes the design. Its design features the date of the stamp's introduction, which is particularly significant as it coincides with the singer's birthday.
Kora, or Olga Sipowicz (1951-2018), was not only a charismatic vocalist but also a poet and painter. She is considered one of the most important figures in Polish rock music in the latter decades of the 20th century. For over 30 years, she was associated with the cult band Maanam. She released numerous hits, such as "Boskie Buenos," "Kocham Cię, kochanie moje," and "Szare miraże."
In her youth, the singer was involved in the hippie movement, the early Solidarity movement, and women's initiatives. She was distinguished by her exceptional sensitivity, writing lyrics brimming with emotion, sometimes provocative, but always deeply moving. An example is "Krakowski Spleen," a metaphor for the political situation in Poland during martial law. The song expressed the desire for a normal life, a cry in a time of censorship, a protest against the suppression of individual voices. Her personality, affirmation of life, authenticity, and the energetic aura she exuded on stage attracted fans, and her concerts became unforgettable.
Throughout her career, Kora has received numerous awards and distinctions. She has received numerous awards at the Polish Song Festival in Opole, the Fryderyk Award for lifetime achievement, and the Gold Cross of Merit for outstanding artistic achievement. Her work and personality continue to inspire a younger generation of artists, both in music and art. The broadcast was prepared in collaboration with Kora's husband, Kamil Sipowicz.
About the stamp:
designer: Agnieszka Sancewicz
number of stamps: 1
value: PLN 4.90
circulation: 144,000 pcs
printing technique: offset + UV
stamp format: 43 x 31.25 mm
fluorescent paper
sales sheet: 12 stamps
date of introduction into circulation: June 8, 2024