The natural resources of Polish design

After the exhibition “COP for the Future: People – Industry – Architecture,” which drew from the richness of the Second Polish Republic and showcased the idea, principles, projects, and above all, the people—creators of the Central Industrial Area—it’s time to focus on our cultural heritage; the folk tradition, commonly associated with highlander slippers and Łowicz paper cuttings. Nothing could be further from the truth—the exhibition’s authors demonstrate that folk culture can be trendy, design-oriented, and very modern.

The exhibition “Natural Resources of Polish Design” presents the influence of folk motifs and techniques on contemporary Polish design, decorative arts, and architecture. It aims to synthesize, summarize, and gather in one time and place works inspired by Polish folk art and crafts; in form, material, technical solutions, and finally, poetics.

The return to roots and traditional manufacturing techniques has been a strong trend in the last decade, not only in Poland but throughout Europe. It speaks of a search for one’s own identity, of distinctiveness and uniqueness, of a return to locality and regionality in an era of globalization and ubiquitous media. This phenomenon can be observed not only in industrial design but also in fashion, music, and cuisine.

Traditional patterns of Polish decorative art give our design a unique character, and materials and local craftsmanship say a lot about our traditions and origins. They ensure that Polish design has a distinct identity and meaning while remaining in the mainstream of European design. This is evidenced by international awards that some of the works presented in the exhibition have received.

At the “Natural Resources of Polish Design” exhibition, both industrially manufactured products and unique items and prototypes will be showcased. Projects from young creators will be displayed alongside well-known hits of Polish design—a total of several dozen different objects. Some of the exhibited items have already gained recognition in the international market, while others are still waiting for their discoverers. All are worth the attention of not only a narrow circle of art critics but also a broad audience.

Among the exhibits, we will see MOHO carpets by Joanna Rusin and Agnieszka Czop, Aze Design, DBWT lamps by Tomek Rygalik, Agnieszka Lasota, and Vis a Vis, architectural projects of the Polish Pavilion at EXPO 2010, and the Opole Earth Museum, as well as projects by Gogo, Malafora, Poor Design, Betonu, and many others.

The opening of the “Natural Resources of Polish Design” exhibition at the Regional Museum in Stalowa Wola will take place on June 9, 2009.

For additional information: Anna Szlązak, Tel: +15 8448556, e-mail: annaszlazak@stalowawola.pl.