“Elementary of Polish Design” at the Institute of Design in Kielce.
23.06-20.09.2018 r.,
The exhibition “Elementary of Polish Design” aims to show 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, 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 a rubber Ringo wheel – a Polish sports game. On display are both contemporary designs and those that have managed to become classics.
Uniques, verging on individual 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. Institute of Design in KielceCurator: Ewa Solarz
The exhibition also connects the past with the present, showcasing the achievements of Polish design through contemporary Polish graphics. In the exhibition titled “Elementarz,” we present 100 works by Polish designers interpreted by twenty-five Polish illustrators—artists with very diverse backgrounds: experienced masters of the Polish school of illustration, illustrators from younger and middle generations who are currently receiving awards worldwide, and quite young artists who have just graduated. Most of the invited graphic artists illustrate children’s books while also engaging in broad visual communication. They present various styles and techniques, united by immense talent.
The exhibition is not just about 100 objects and their 100 artistic interpretations; it is also about 100 stories: about the designers, their needs, dreams, possibilities, and limitations. It narrates not only specific projects but also shows what the design process entails, how ideas are generated, and ultimately highlights how remarkable the concept of design is—being the field of art closest to humanity, surrounding us daily, something we could not live without, often without realizing it.
The presentation of projects in chronological order reveals that throughout the 100-year history of Polish design, certain materials, themes, and forms reappear, constantly taking on new faces. The exhibition is aimed at a wide audience, including the youngest generation. It was created to commemorate the centenary of Poland’s independence.
Opening Reception: June 23, 2018, at 12:00 PM at the Main Gallery of the Institute of Design in Kielce. The opening will be accompanied by a mural painting by Acapulco Studio (Agata Dudek and Małgorzata Nowak—authors of the exhibition’s visual identity).
On the day of the opening, at 1:00 PM, there will be a curator-led tour of the exhibition.
The following day, June 24, at 11:00 AM, we invite you to family workshops led by the exhibition curator, Ewa Solarz (registration required).
The exhibition will be open until September 20, 2018.
Illustrators participating in the exhibition: Jacek Ambrożewski, Edgar Bąk, Maciek Blaźniak, Katarzyna Bogucka, Bohdan Butenko, 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, Aleksandra Niepsuj, Marianna Oklejak, Paweł Pawlak, Dawid Ryski, Marianna Sztyma, Ola Woldańska-Płocińska.
Curator: Ewa Solarz
Exhibition Design: Studio Beton – Marta and Lech Rowińscy
The exhibition premiered during Gdynia Design Days 2017 and was subsequently presented as part of the Niepodległa Program in collaboration with Polish Institutes in the second half of 2017 in Berlin and Budapest, as well as in Bucharest in 2018. Another edition of the exhibition is planned for Vienna in the fall of 2018.
This exhibition is part of the international cultural program POLSKA 100 coordinated by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, accompanying the celebrations of the centenary of Poland’s independence.
Funded by: The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (MKiDN) as part of the Multi-Year Program NIEPODLEGŁA for 2017–2021.
Organizer: Adam Mickiewicz Institute
Co-organizers: Regional Museum in Stalowa Wola, Gdynia Design Days
Collaboration: WYtwórnia Publishing House
