Nur für Polen (Numai pentru Polonia)

Description

Nur für Polen (Only for Poland) – artist talk by Szymon Szymankiewicz [PL]
Thursday, 24th of October 2024, 7 pm
Zpace (Casa Zemstvei, 103 Al. Sciusev str., Chisinau)

The presentation of “Nur für Polen“ is based on a monographic book dedicated to the work of Szymon Szymankiewicz. The book emphasizes the connections between his art (poster) and Polish socio-political life during recent years of transformation. Szymankiewicz uses the poster as a medium, visible during civic protests for women’s rights, LGBT+ rights, and media freedom. The title of the book, “Nur für Polen” reflects a critical view of the surrounding reality.

Szymon Szymankiewicz [PL] PhD (born 1985 in Lodz) is a graduate and lecturer at the Magdalena Abakanowicz University of the Arts Poznan, and a graphic and poster designer. He has received numerous awards and prizes, and his work has been shown at exhibitions in dozens of countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America. Szymankiewicz is one of the most interesting and recognizable poster designers among the young generation of Polish artists. His work is characterized by stark minimalism, transforming well-known symbols, and the use of pared-down colors. Most of his art is devoid of any words, therefore offering a universal message. The artist often addresses difficult and controversial socio-political topics, such as fascism, racism, anti-semitism, misogyny or homophobia, and such problems as the abuse of power, authoritarian violence against citizens, or indifference to marginalized groups of people or phenomena.

Szymankiewicz’s style is determined by an intensification of conflicts concerning opposing worldviews, and his work resembles a map of current social problems and maladies, a sui generis iconography of our contemporary times. He is not afraid to address uncomfortable and controversial issues which reflect the deepening divide in Polish society. He chooses to show these problems directly, without unnecessary “comments” or attempts at embellishing. It is precisely this lack of artistic aestheticization as well as clarity and directness of message that leave no doubt about the personal views of Szymon Szymankiewicz as both artist and citizen.

Through their powerful emotional impact and clear symbolism, Szymankiewicz’s works signal a return to the classic school of political posters, while his impressive range of activities further contributes to the revival of poster art, which in our times has been reduced primarily to its advertising function. Szymankiewicz is proof that poster art carries enormous artistic value and still has a lot to say about the state of the world, and can have an equally powerful influence on a mass audience.