ABC’S OF POLISH DESIGN

Agata Dudek

listed in the ranking of the 200 best illustrators worldwide by

and recognisable for bold pattern play, and for reflective and

Showed works at over a dozen individual exhibitions in Poland

Lürzer’s Archive. Lives and works in Warsaw and Stockholm.

deliberate combinations based on the coupling of few colours.

and abroad. Lives and works in Wrocław.

Winner of numerous awards, including i.a. the Bologna Ragazzi Award, White Raven, and International Awards for Philatelic Art (Asiago, Italy). Her works have been shown at prestigious exhibitions in Poland and abroad. Lives and works in Warsaw.

(b. 1984), book and press illustrator, graphic designer. Graduate of the Graphic Arts Faculty of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Joined forces with Małgorzata Nowak to establish and operate the Acapulco graphic design studio – author of visual identification solutions for the exhibition: logo, captions,

2005 Pieńki (Log) Side Tables designed by: Agata Kulik-Pomorska, Paweł Pomorski / Malafor produced by: Malafor

1962 366 Armchair designed by: Józef Chierowski produced by: Lower Silesian Furniture Factory in Swiebodzice

and posters. Author of multiple shows in Poland and abroad, competition winner. Her works have been shown at international exhibitions in Bologna, Berlin, and New York. Lives and works in Warsaw.

1979 Poldrób Promotional Mural designer unknown

Paweł Jońca

1957 Dzik (Boar) Figurine designed by: Mieczysław Naruszewicz produced by: Porcelain Factory in Ćmielów

21.06–28.07.2019 SKLAD Gallery Plovdiv, 16 Ekzarh Iosif Str., 3rd floor

(b. 1968), architect by profession, illustrator artist by choice; specialises in press illustration, co-operates with leading mag-

Ola Niepsuj

(b. 1982), also known as Talkseek lub Risky. Illustrator, graphic designer, musician. Graduate of the Landscape Architecture Faculty of the University of Ecology and Management in Warsaw. Author of multiple press illustrations, concert posters,

azines and newspapers in Poland and abroad. Designs posters,

CD/ record covers, and graphic design for clothing companies;

covers, graphic signs, icons, and graphics for the new media

plays the drums in a punk ensemble in his free time. Co-au-

and advertising industry. Winner of multiple awards and prestigious prizes. One of the most recognisable illustrators in Po-

(b. 1986), illustrator and graphic designer. Graduate of the

land. Lives and works in Warsaw.

Władysław Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź. She also studied in Portugal, at the Escola Superior de Artes e Design

Emilia Dziubak

Jacek Ambrożewski, Edgar Bąk, Maciek Blaźniak,

de Matosinhos, and Faculdade de Belas Artes da Universidade

thrice by the prestigious American Illustration annual, and were

exhibitions in Poland and abroad. Lives and works in Warsaw.

of the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznań. Debuted in 2011 with a

1965 School Seat with Tablet Arm designed by: Maria Chomentowska produced by: Furniture Factory of the Institute of Industrial Design Institute

children’s cookbook – Gratka dla małego niejadka (Treater for the Little No-Eater), recognised in the strict finale of the 4th CJ Picture Book competition for the most beautiful picture books

2012 Paper Town designed by: Robert Czajka produced by: Ringo

in Korea. Developed her own unique style. Her works leave an aesthetic impression of warmth and intimate mood; while illustrating, her pieces supplement the text in a suggestion of new meanings and added content. Dziubak co-operates with Polish

Agata Królak, Grażka Lange, Patryk Mogilnicki,

and foreign publishing houses, most recently illustrating books by a Swedish author of children’s bestsellers – Martin Widmark.

Piotr Młodożeniec, Anna Niemierko, Ola Niepsuj,

Lives and works in Poznań.

Marianna Oklejak, Paweł Pawlak, Dawid Ryski,

Agata Królak

1985 Bolesławiec Ceramics designed by: Bronisław Wolanin produced by: Artistic Ceramics Handicraft Co-operative in Bolesławiec

(b. 1987), illustrator and picture book author. Graduate of the where she is currently a doctoral student and assistant. Agata Królak’s works take viewers on a nostalgic journey to the world of childhood. Her agile technique and pallet of pure colours with a hint at humour blend into a dynamic and somewhat subversive

Arts in Poznań. Usually focuses on press illustration; also au-

Marianna Oklejak

thor of illustrations for many children’s books, including Dorota Masłowska’s Jak zostałam wiedźmą (How I Became a Witch).

Draws comic books, designs covers, paints. Strokes and pets cats and dogs when not busy with drawing. Lives and works in

microcosm. Her illustrations were shown at festivals and exhi1958 Woven Chair designed by: Teresa Kruszewska produced by: Kolor Co-operative

the village of Grudza, Jizera Foothills.

bitions, i.a. in New York, Tokyo, Brussels, and Paris. Lives and works in Gdańsk.

Marianna Sztyma (b. 1973), painter and illustrator. Graduate of the Academy of Fine

Graphic Arts Faculty of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk,

Marianna Sztyma, Ola Woldańska-Płocińska

(b. 1981), draws, designs books, posters and CD/ record covers, sews. Graduated with honours from the Graphic Arts Faculty

in the Bologna Ragazzi Award (Books & Seeds category). They

of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw (Book Design and Il-

are also the co-owners and co-authors of the Nioska design

lustration Studios). Her illustrations have been recognised with

studio. Lives and works in Warsaw.

awards and honourable mentions of the Polish Section of IBBY, entered onto the Treasures List of the Museum of Children’s

Małgorzata Gurowska

(b. 1989), illustrator, draughtsman, book creator and graphic de-

Books, made part of the finale of the prestigious CJ Picture Book Award competition in South Korea, and shown at exhibitions in Poland and abroad. Illustrator of Basia, a popular

signer. Graduated from the Faculty of Graphic Arts of the Acad-

1965 Zefir Z-21 Fan designed by: Fonica Radio Construction Bureau produced by: Fonica RadioFactory in Łódź

emy of Fine Arts in Warsaw (Illustration Studio under Grażka Lange, and Book Design Studio under Maciej Buszewicz). Winner of multiple awards and honourable mentions, i.a. the Project

(b. 1977), graphic designer, draughtsperson, author of video and

of the Year Award in the Debut category in a competition organ-

Ola Woldańska-Płocińska

Fine Arts in Warsaw. Co-creator of Fundacja Sztuczna (Art-ifi1935 Garnitur 1321 Pressed Glass Set designed by: Michał Titkow

in the 54th Polish Book Publishers’ Society Competition for his

cial Foundation). Focuses on the social and political in her work, particularly critical in her description of human attitude towards animals. Her works form part of the post-humanism narrative.

auteur work Szkice z przyszłości (Sketches from the Future), and

Winner of national and international awards, i.a. the European

others. Lives and works in Warsaw.

Design Awards, Bologna Ragazzi Award, The White Raven In-

Grażka Lange 1999 Diana Meat Grinder designed by: Marek Lisiewicz – Triada Design produced by: Zelmer

ternational Youth Library, and Taipei International Digital Con-

Ada Buchholc

tent Awards. Showed her works at exhibitions in Poland and abroad. Lives and works in Warsaw.

(b. 1961), graphic designer, designer of books (over 100). Grad-

the world of Polish picture books is one of her most recent works. Owner of a collection of Polish children’s books from the 1960s and 1970s, and of books from all around the globe.

her own trademark style with a focus on daily and social life.

Head of the Illustration Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in

Drew for Refinery29 as well as for NYLON, BUST, Little White

ic Arts Faculty of the University of the Arts in Poznań, where she

number of auteur books included. In 2010, awarded a prize in the

Paweł Pawlak

2009 Most Beautiful Book competition of the Polish Book Publishers’ Society for the book Mrówka wychodzi za mąż (Ant Gets Married). Loves drawing food and piglets. Lives and works in Poznań.

Warsaw, formerly of the Book Design Studio, jointly with Ma-

Lies, and New Republic magazines. Her drawings are regularly

ciej Buszewicz. Reading addict. Lives near Warsaw.

published in Polish newspapers and magazines.

Co-operated with the Goethe Institut, Open’er Festival, design-

(b. 1962), book creator and illustrator, graphic designer, painter,

1959 Pegaz Programme Opener designed by: Wojciech Zamecznik produced by: TVP

ers Magda Butrym and Pitchougina, and the Reserved brand.

Author of illustrations for the book Bad Girls of Fashion (Annick

and picture/ painting frame designer. Graduated with honours from the State Higher School of Visual Arts in Wrocław. De-

Press, 2016). Graduated from the Graphic Arts Department of

signed scenography for twelve theatrical performances, and

the Graphic Arts and Visual Communication Faculty of the Uni-

the fountain in front of the Wrocław Puppet Theatre. Illustrated

versity of the Arts in Poznań. West Pomeranian by origin, cur-

over 80 books in co-operation with publishers from Poland,

rently lives and works in Warsaw.

books, for young and adult readers alike. Graduate of the Graph-

Over a dozen books she illustrated have been published so far, a

in Warsaw (with honours, at the Book and Illustration Studio under professor J. Stanny). Look! Polish Picturebook showing

(b. 1985), illustrator and designer of posters, ephemera, and

now works as an assistant at the Packaging Design Studio.

uate of the Graphic Arts Faculty of the Academy of Fine Arts

(b. 1987) specialises in press illustration and posters. Developed

2014 Plantation designed and produced by: Alicja Patanowska

children’s book series. Lives and works in Warsaw.

installation art. Graduate and staff member of the Academy of

ised by the Association of Applied Graphics Designers; Grand

Edgar Bąk

Gestalten. Lives and works in Puławy.

and infographics. Her works received an honourable mention

(b. 1982), author and illustrator of children’s books. Graduate

Marta Ignerska, Tymek Jezierski, Paweł Jońca,

1918 Wawel Dragon Toy designed by: Zofia Stryjeńska produced by: Krakow Workshops

betics – published by the prestigious German publishing house

tional Competition. Recognised as an accomplished artist at

Emilia Dziubak, Małgorzata Gurowska, Monika Hanulak,

for authors of illustrations for the book XY; honourable mention

Anula. In 2014, published his first children’s book – the Alpha-

awarded the silver medal at the Society of Illustrators’ Interna-

Iwona Chmielewska, Robert Czajka, Agata Dudek,

Prix in a competition held by the Museum of Children’s Books

thors the Pinata Unique draughtspersons collective with wife

do Porto. Designs posters, visual identifications, packaging,

Katarzyna Bogucka, Ada Buchholc,

Jacek Ambrożewski

Dawid Ryski

2017 Pan Tu Nie Stał Clothing designed and produced by: Pan Tu Nie Stał

France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Korea, and Canada.

Monika Hanulak

(b. 1980), active in broadly defined visual communication. Pro-

1968 Społem Logo designer unknown

fessionally focused on the design of visual identities: expansive visual identification systems, posters, CD/ record covers, etc. Regularly co-operating with the Nowy Theatre in Warsaw,

The ABCs

(b. 1973), graduate of the Graphic Arts Faculty of the Acade-

MONITOR magazine, and Copernicus Science Centre. Winner

my of Fine Arts in Warsaw (2001), where she now works as

of multiple awards, including prizes presented in the field of

an assistant at the Illustration Studio. Focuses on the design

children’s illustrations and book design, i.a. by the Advertising

1936 Ptasie Mleczko designer unknown produced by: E. Wedel ChocolateFactory PLC

Creators’ Club (10 statuettes), Association of Applied Graphics Designers, Book of the Year, Chimera, and Society of Publishing Designers in New York. Working together with Charlotte West, designed “Project: The Polish Journal of Visual Art and

of non-standard books, and the organising of illustration and auteur book exhibitions.

Collects children’s books. Participates in multiple exhibitions

Patryk Mogilnicki

of Polish

in Poland and abroad. Winner of prestigious awards, most notably the Bologna Ragazzi Award in the Poetry for Children cat-

Design” for the Unit Editions publishing house. Lives and works

egory, for Julian Tuwim’s book Wiersze dla dzieci (Poems for

in Warsaw.

Children). Lives and works in Warsaw.

(b. 1976), specialises in press and book illustration. Graduate of the Workshop Graphics Department of the Academy of Fine

Iwona Chmielewska

Design

Arts in Poznań. Published in the majority of Polish magazines, high-circulation to niche titles, and in foreign press (Italian, English, American). Designs film, concert, and theatrical posters; is particularly fond of serigraphs he prints himself. Author of CD/ record and book covers, draws comic books. Awarded an honourable mention at the Ilustrarte Biennale of Children’s Books Illustration in Lisbon for his illustrations to the book

(b. 1960), author and illustrator of books for young and adult

Brud (Dirt). Lives and works in Warsaw.

readers. Graduated from the Workshop Graphics Department 1927 Polonia Pencil designer unknown produced by: St Majewski

of the Fine Arts Faculty of the Nicolaus Copernicus Universi-

1959 Ringo Game designed by: Włodzimierz Strzyżewski

ty in Toruń. Creates auteur works – picture books, publishing chiefly in South Korea (over 20 to date), as well as in Poland,

va (2007), Grand Prix of the Bologna Ragazzi Award – twice: in the Non-Fiction category (2011), and the Fiction category is award. Lives and works in Toruń.

100 objects

interpretations, but also of 100 stories: about designers, needs,

100 images

dreams, possibilities and limitations. Not only does it speak of

100 stories

specific projects, but it also explains the designing process, the

25 illustrators

creation of ideas and the amazing concept of design in general,

It’s not easy to show 100 years of Polish design limiting oneself

nent awards include the Golden Apple at the BIB in Bratisla-

(2013). Two-time nominee to the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpre-

The show consists not only of the 100 objects and their visual

as the field of art that is the closest to people, because it sur-

China, Japan, France, Germany, and Mexico. Her most emi-

Maciej Blaźniak

100 years of Polish design

Marta Ignerska

1972 Pewex Logo designed by: Elżbieta Magner

rounds us all every day and we couldn’t live without it, although

to just 100 objects. How to choose the most important ones?

most of the time we are not aware of this fact.

How to avoid the temptation to show icons only? How to cap-

The objects are presented in chronological order, which shows

ture the interest of more than just experts? How can we present

that cer tain materials, topics and forms keep reappearing

the diversity of fields within design?

throughout this 100-year long history of Polish design. The ex-

The exhibition combines past and present, showing the heritage

hibition is addressed to a broad audience, including the young-

of Polish design through the achievements of contemporary

est generation. The show was organised for the 100th anniver-

Polish graphic. We display 100 works of Polish designers that

sary of the restoration of Poland’s sovereignty.

have been interpreted by 25 Polish illustrators. Among these visual artists there are people at different stages of their career, including experienced masters of the Polish school of il-

(b. 1984), graphic designer, illustrator, author of children’s

(b. 1978), graphic designer, draughtsperson, animated cartoon

books. Graduated with honours from the Design Faculty of the

filmmaker. Completed her graduation diploma project at the Mul-

Higher School of Art and Design in Łódź, specialising in illus-

timedia Artistic Creation Studio and Book Design Studio of the

tration and art book design. In 2010, established a children’s

Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw in 2005. Designs and illustrates

books publishing house and the Ładne Halo graphic design

1943 Sarenka Child’s Chair designed by: Władysław Wincze and Olgierd Szlekys produced by: Ład Artists’ Co-operative Workshops

studio. Recognised for graphic design with a number of prominent awards, including the 2014 Red Dot Design Award in the visual communications category for the Halobajki app design based on his own books. Lives and works in Łódź.

books for young and adult readers for Polish, French, Italian, and

Piotr Młodożeniec

Studio Acapulco / Agata Dudek & Małgorzata Nowak

(b. 1956), graphic designer, painter, draughtsman, author of animated cartoons, posters, and book and press illustrations.

Among the first artists in Poland to use the technique and language of computer imaging in graphic design. Influenced by by the oeuvre of two graphic designers and poster creation masters – his father Jan Młodożeniec, and professor Henryk Tomaszewski. Author of the globally recognised Coexist sign.

(b. 1978), applied graphics designer and illustrator, painter.

1960 Ty i Ja – Magazine Layout designed by: R. Cieślewicz, B. Żochowski, E. Żochowska and others produced by: RSW Prasa National Magazine Publishing

Graduated from the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine er and designer of the Czarodziejska kura (Magic Hen) children’s quarterly he received the Guarantee of Culture award

universally associated with design, we have included less obvious things such as: fonts, logos, kids’ toys, a locomotive, a

Produced by:

neon, a sailplane, a scooter and even the tastiest Polish treat:

Małgorzata Miśkowiec

Ptasie Mleczko, as well as a rubber ring called Ringo – a Polish sports game. We present contemporary designs along with the

Object descriptions:

ones that are already considered classical; unique objects, al-

Agnieszka Kowalska, Ewa Solarz, Agata Szydłowska

most like singular works of art; prototypes that have never entered mass production; but also very popular things that have

In co-operation with:

been used by Poles on a daily basis during the last 100 years.

Regional Museum in Stalowa Wola, Design Centre Gdynia

The exhibition has been organised by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute operating under the Culture.pl brand, as part of a programme to promote Polish design internationally.

The event is held as part of an international cultural programme accompanying celebrations of the one hundredth anniversary of Poland regaining her independence. Project delivered within the NIEPODLEGŁA (INDEPENDENT)

and Silver Medal at the European Design Awards for. In the year

Multiannual Programme (2017-2022).

2010, he formed the company Ringo (www.ringoringo.pl) he de1975 Z 312-1 Mantel Clock designer unknown produced by: Predom-Metron Office Machine Factory in Toruń

signs paper toys – construction sets for children for, such as

Tymek Jezierski

(b. 1985), illustrator, author of books, designer with a focus on children. Graduated from the Painting Department of the Fine Arts Faculty of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń in 2009. Her works have been published in newspapers, chil-

(b. 1983), draughtsman, press illustrator, painter. Known for il-

dren’s books and animations, as well as on wallpaper, clothes,

lustrations regularly featured by numerous Polish magazines;

and posters. Bogucka specialises in classical Polish poetry and

for his music, theatrical, and film posters; and for CD/ record

children’s fairytales. Developed a forceful drawing style refer-

covers. Designs logotypes, wallpapers, and murals. Co-author

Szymon Tomiło, which earned them an honourable mention

Studio Beton – Marta & Lech Rowiński

allist of the ED Award (European Design Award). Her graphic inter-

Arts in Warsaw in 2002. Over the years 2008-2010, co-publish-

thored the book Wytwórnik kulinarny (Culinary Creator) with

broadly understood visual communication. They use different

Visual identification:

pop-art and the neo-expressionism of the 1980s, as well as

1951 Typography Techniques Book designed by: Jan Wojeński published by: Nasza Księgarnia Publishing House

Arrangements:

styles and techniques, but all of them have one thing in com-

Lives and works in Warsaw.

encing vintage, naïve art, and comic book conventions. Co-au-

vited illustrate children’s books, at the same time working with

mon: a huge talent.

Robert Czajka

aesthetics. Lives and works in Warsaw.

Ewa Solarz

Among the 100 designs, apart from furniture, glass or porcelain

pretations of literature have been entered onto the White Ravens

the Paper City inspired by socialist (Polish People’s Republic)

receive rewards all around the globe, as well as young, freshly

for Children category of the Bologna Ragazzi Award. Silver med-

in Warsaw.

Katarzyna Bogucka

Curator:

graduated ones. Most of the visual artists whom we have in-

Norwegian publishing houses. Double award-winner in the Books

List (Internationale Jugendbibliothek) in Munich. Lives and works

1929 LOT Polish Airlines Logo designed by: Tadeusz Gronowski

lustration, artists from the young and medium generation who

Anna Niemierko

of the award-winning comic book telling the story of the War-

(b. 1979), specialises in illustration, book design, and postage

saw Rising: Ostatni concert (The Last Concert). Member of the

stamp design. Graduate of the Graphic Arts Faculty of the

ILLO agency with a membership of eminent Polish illustrators;

Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw (Book Design Studio). Known

www.culture.pl