Jacobson-Cielecka emphasises that the communist legacy and the USSR's influence have been decisive factors in the region's social and cultural life. The term 'post-Soviet countries' is much more precise and accurate than 'Central and Eastern Europe' - she explains. Censorship under the communist authorities provoked creativity and ingenuity in art and other creative industries. The exhibition stretches across borders, rather than focusing on one nation, to paint a collective portrait of creative imagination in the face of these shared realities.
At the Design Museum in Holon, Israel's first such institution, Eastern Europe design heritage is presented within several contexts: folk art, pastiche, functional objects, innovation and ecology. Objects include original works in porcelain and ceramic, and production items including toys, jewelry, functional objects and home furnishings.
We show objects created in different countries, and artists who have never met, but who have shared many common themes and ideas," says Jacobson-Cielecka. "The network of relationships created between these designers does not overlap with existing political borderlines, but rather represents a new cultural map that will undoubtedly continue to connect the different parts of this region in the coming generations.
Agnieszka Jacobson-Cielecka is a driving force behind the showcasing of Polish design across the world, organising exhibitions of young Polish design at some of the world's most important trade events. Her biggest project to date is the Unpolished series presented at London Design Week, the International Salone del Mobile Fiera Milano and other industry events in Paris, Helsinki and Seoul.
Common Roots. Design Map of Central Europe is open between the 15th of November 2012 to the 23rd of February 2013 at the Design Museum Holon.
Polish artists in the exhibition: Agnieszka Bar, Arek Wolski, Knockout design (Marta Florkowska-Dwojak Marta, Magdalena Juszczak, Dorota Kabala, Maya Ober), AZE design (Anna Kotowicz-Puszkarewicz and Arthur Puszkarewicz), Babaakcja (Clementine Jankiewicz , Sophia Konarska, Monika Ostaszewska), Bartosz Mucha, Bashko Trybek, Beza Project, Daria Burlinska, Peter Carpenter, Jacek Byczewski, Bylicka Joanna, Joanna Rusin, Kalimba, Karina Marusinska, Space Project (Eve Loaf and Maciej Jelski), Laloushka (Marta Hryniak), Maciej Caterpillar-Giewont, Malafor, Matilda Krzykowski, MOHO Design, Oskar Zieta, CONCRETE (Marta and Lech Rowinski Rowińska).
For more information, see www.dmh.org.il
Source: Press release, ed. Agnieszka Le Nart