Andrzej Kwietniewski, "Gomułka" from the "Gods" searches, acrylic, silkscreen on canvas, 2010, source: press materials
What would pop-art look like in the times of PRL - Peoples Republic in Poland - if conditions had allowed it to exist? Andrzej Kwietniewski's first individual exhibition in Wrocław attempts to answer that question with a series of works inspired by Polish political and cultural icons, rendered in bright settings and amusing poses
Alongside with images presenting wines simply labeled as "Wine", "Sporty" cigarettes, soap and matches, PRL icons - from Gomułka and Cyrankiewicz to Anna Jantar and Gagarin - take on a Pop incarnation.
Kwietniewski puts a twist on great national symbols, as well as objects of everyday use, giving them a new, colourful, fairy-pop kick: stiff dignitaries with blushed cheeks and painted lips sleeping on baby nappies. Ewa Partum as a nurse advertising thermometers or special DIY kits containing cut out forms of Piłsudski, Jaruzelski and Curie-Skłodowska.
On the eve of the opening, the exhibition featured a workshop, where visitors had chance to make their own "Gierek" under the supervision of the artist. The screen prints will become part of the exhibition and when it is completed, the authors will be able to take their work home.
Andrzej Kwietniewski was born in 1951 in Łodź. He is a stage designer, filmmaker, writer and co-founder of Łódź Kaliska group.
Curator: Patrycja Sikora
Exhibition runs between December 17, 2010 - January 16, 2011.
Source: press release
BWA Awangarda Gallery
ul. Wita Stwosza 32, 50-149 Wrocław
Director: Marek Puchała
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