A primer on Polish design in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski
4.09-22.11.2020, Biuro Wystaw Artystycznych w Ostrowcu Świętokrzyskim, 54 Siennieńska Street
100 years of Polish design, through the prism of 100 objects. Among the 100 projects, in addition to furniture, glass or porcelain, i.e. objects commonly associated with design, there are less obvious things: typefaces, logos, children’s toys, a locomotive, a neon sign, a glider, a scooter, and even Poland’s tastiest treat Ptasie Mleczko and the rubber Ringo wheel – a Polish sports game. On display are both contemporary designs and those that have managed to become classics. Uniques, verging on one-off works of art; prototypes that never entered mass production; but also very popular items that Poles have been using on a daily basis for the last 100 years.
This exhibition also connects the past with the present, showcasing the achievements of Polish design through the achievements of contemporary Polish graphic design. This is because the exhibition ‘Primer’ presents 100 works by Polish designers interpreted by twenty-five Polish illustrators – artists with very different achievements: experienced masters of the Polish school of illustration, illustrators of the young and middle generation winning awards around the world today, and quite young illustrators who have just graduated. Most of the invited illustrators illustrate children’s books while at the same time dealing with visual communication in a broad sense. They present a variety of styles and techniques, all sharing a great deal of talent.
Illustrators taking part in the exhibition: Jacek Ambrożewski, Edgar Bak, Maciek Blaźniak, Katarzyna Bogucka, Ada Buchholc, Iwona Chmielewska, Robert Czajka, Agata Dudek, Emilia Dziubak, Małgorzata Gurowska, Monika Hanulak, Marta Ignerska, Tymek Jezierski, Paweł Jońca, Agata Królak, Grażka Lange, Patryk Mogilnicki, Piotr Młodożeniec, Ania Niemierko, Ola Niepsuj, Marianna Oklejak, Paweł Pawlak, Dawid Ryski, Marianna Sztyma,Aleksandra Woldańska-Płocińska.
The exhibition is not only 100 objects and 100 of their visual interpretations, it is also 100 stories: about designers, about needs, about dreams, about possibilities and about limitations. It tells not only about specific projects. It also shows what the design process is about, how ideas are generated and, ultimately, what an amazing concept design is – the closest art to man, which we are all surrounded by, which we interact with every day and without which we could not do without, although we often do not realise this.
The presentation of the projects in chronological order shows that in the 100-year-long history of Polish design, certain materials, themes and forms keep returning, taking on ever new faces. The exhibition is aimed at the general public, including the youngest generation. It was created on the occasion of the centenary of Poland’s independence and was enthusiastically received in many Polish, European and international cities (Korea and Canada).
What items have Poles been surrounding themselves with for a century? Which Polish armchair did the famous Le Corbusier admire? Which bicycle was ridden by at least two generations of Poles? How were propaganda posters and company newspapers produced in the 1950s? What does a bus designed by the famous painter Beksiński look like?
The answers to these and a hundred other questions can be found in the primer. You will also learn about the design process and how ideas are created. We will show you that design is the art which is closest to humanity. We all come into contact with it every day, often without even realising it. In addition to furniture, glass and porcelain, objects commonly associated with design, we will present less obvious items: typefaces, logos, children’s toys, a locomotive, neon signs, a glider, and even Poland’s tastiest treat – ptasie mleczko.
– Ewa Solarz
Curator of the exhibition: Ewa Solarz
Arrangement: Studio Beton – Marta and Lech Rowińscy
Visual identification of the exhibition: Acapulco Studio (Agata Dudek and Małgorzata Nowak)
Co-ordination: Wojtek Mazan
Biuro Wystaw Artystycznych [Art Exhibition Office
Siennieńska Street 54
27-400 Ostrowiec Św.
Gallery open:
Tuesday – Friday from 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
