matthew marosz

The first Monday of March celebrates, Polish hero, Casimir Pulaski. Pulaski was a Revolutionary War Cavalry officer, who later trained U.S military soldiers and cavalry in the American Revolution.

This Polish hero, calls to mind, other Polish heroes. heroes of graphics and illustration. Heroes by the name of Tomaszewski, Gorka, and Cieslewicz. The Polish poster designers who developed a sophisticated visual language characterized by surreal and expressionistic tendencies, bold use of color, and macabre, often satirical humor. For many decades the Polish poster chronicled that nation's social, political, and cultural life. The posters these artists produced showcased not just an individual style but referenced the movements of Expressionism, Constructivism, Functionalism, and Art Deco. Throughout the Stalinist era many posters were advocates for political propaganda, while the poster work of the 50's and 60's turned toward film and other cultural events. Within the contrasts of these poster subjects, the poster artists mastered the art and use of subtle metaphor, juxtaposition of forms, and abstraction in new and innovative ways. Regardless of the subject matter, the posters serve as documentation of a historical period and a country in the midst of change. 

The documentary, Freedom on the Fence provides a further in-depth view of the artists and artworks of the Polish poster.