POLISH SCHOOL of POSTER. NEW GENERATIONS
Special thanks to Dr. Agata Stronciwilk
The exhibit “Polish School of Poster. New Generations” showcasing the art of poster from the University of Silesia is organized by Dr. Agata Stronciwilk, It presents 70 modern posters (created since 2000) designed by artists from different generations. It encompasses artworks created by professors, PhD candidates, and students from the Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Silesia in Katowice.
The title “Polish School of Poster Art. New Generations” suggests both continuity and change – artists recognize the impact of the history of Polish poster, drawing inspiration from this heritage; however, they also actively detach from tradition by exploring contemporary visuality and creating their own distinctive languages. Displayed posters were inspired by an array of cultural texts – cinema, music, art, and literature. A significant body of work presented at the exhibition is related to a renowned poster competition organized annually by the Institute of Fine Arts – “Jazz in the Ruins.
Posters of the following artists are represented at the exhibition: Iwona Cichy, Józef Hołard, Grzegorz Izdebski, Tomasz Jędrzejko, Justyna Jędrysik, Tomasz Kipka, Łukasz Kliś, Sebastian Kubica, Stefan Lechwar, Marek Maciejczyk, Aleksander Orłowski, Wojciech Osuchowski, Kaja Renkas, Martyna Sobolewska, Monika Sroga, Justyna Stefańczyk and Tomasz Tobolewski.
Each of the artists on display presents their unique style – with a vast array of techniques – using photography, digital media, and traditional artistic mediums (painting, drawing, collage) to create metaphorical images that are not mere illustrations but a creative re-reading of the particular cultural text. The posters encompass various aesthetics – inspired by op-art, surrealism or XIX-century prints. This aesthetic diversity reflects the individualistic approach to teaching at the Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Silesia in Katowice – rather than searching for principles that would define the new generations of the “Polish School of Poster,” the emphasis is put on the idiosyncrasy of distinctive form, which has to be established by each artist.
SOLIDARITY
Special thanks to late Andrzej Mróz
The Solidarność exhibit showcases Andrzej Mróz’s private collection during his time in political prison, fighting for Poland’s freedom from Communism.
Hear stories and see archival materials about communism regime fighters who confronted totalitarian system more than 40 years ago.
This year Solidarność exhibit will be presented by Andrzej Mróz’s daughter Katarzyna Mróz in honor of Andrzej’s memory and his profound contributions to the Solidarność movement and the Polish community.
THANK YOU FOR PLAYING: Iconic Video Game Magazines
Special thanks to Piotr Mańkowski
Trailer
The film tells the story of a unique moment in Polish history, how Western culture and American “soft power” influenced the changes that occurred in Poland after the fall of communism.
For young Poles in the 1980s, video games symbolized a better, colorful, wealthy, and democratic world that they aspired to join. In the 1990s, after the fall of communism and the Iron Curtain, and the consequent lifting of sanctions on the supply of modern computers to Poland, the country underwent rapid changes, in culture and computerization. The events resulting from the fascination with the capabilities of modern computers and the development of video games, which in the West were spreading over several decades, took place in Poland over just a few years.
The film focuses on the history of print magazines dedicated to video games, which were a direct result of these events. An entire generation grew up on these magazines. Although that era has passed and none of these magazines exist anymore, they had an extraordinary and lasting impact on today’s Poland.
Today, there are over 500 game development studios operating in Poland. It is one of the largest industries in Europe and the world. At the heads of these companies are people who were shaped in their childhood by these magazines and those times.
The introduction to the film and the discussion after the screening will be led by Piotr Mańkowski. He is a journalist, historian, academic lecturer, and author of many books dedicated to the history of the video game industry. In the early 90s, he was a prominent journalist of the most important video game magazines in Poland.
POLISH WINGS IN WORLD WAR II
Special thanks to Krzysztof Poraj- Kuczewski
This exhibit is dedicated to the many Polish men and women who, during the Second World War, did not hesitate to sacrifice their lives for the Allied victory and the freedom of their homeland. The photographs presented in the exhibit show the tragic beginning of World War II and the revenge of the Polish forces over English skies. There are many images of Polish fighters whose contribution to the Royal Air Force led to winning the Battle of Britain and the final defeat of Nazi Germany.
We remember some of them who lived here, in Washington State: Alexander Witold Herbst, Roma Wal, Roman Wal and Boleslaw Gladych were a few who lived among us.
Krzysztof Poraj-Kuczewski prepared this exhibit with the help of Alexander W. Herbst and Tomasz Seibert. “A Question of Honor: The Kosciuszko Squadron: Forgotten Heroes of World War II”, a book written by Lynne Olson and Stanley Cloud, was an inspiration for this exhibition.”
THE WHITE WOLF: The story of the Witcher in Video Games
Special thanks to Piotr Mańkowski
The Witcher 3 is still one of the most popular video games in the world, even though it’s been 8 years since its release! The video game series has popularized Andrzej Sapkowski’s books worldwide, on which the game was based. The growing popularity also led to the creation of a series on the Netflix platform. The film focuses on the beginnings of this story. It is a tale about a group of developers who worked on the first part of The Witcher game. It’s the story of a company that decided to create the best RPG video game in the world. They planned to spend around 200 thousand dollars, and achieve their goal within a year, despite not having the appropriate knowledge or experience.
The introduction to the film and the discussion after the screening will be led by Piotr Mańkowski. He is a journalist, historian, academic lecturer, and author of many books dedicated to the history of the video game industry. In the early 90s, he was a prominent journalist of the most important video game magazines in Poland.
THE WOODEN SOUL OF LESSER POLAND
Special thanks to Krzysztof Poraj- Kuczewski
This documentary tells the story of the Malopolska region of Southern Poland. This mountainous region is famous for its wooden architecture, which was the traditional way of survival in harsh climate conditions. For centuries, local churches were known for their special architectural mastery and beauty. Many have been carefully renovated and are used today, their beauty encouraging people to cultivate local tradition and folk culture.
