It's not easy to show one hundred years of Polish design in just one hundred objects. Which ones were really the most important? The most intriguing? How does one choose? How does one show more than just the iconic designs that everyone knows?
In Gdynia, The ABCs of Polish Design exhibition will present the best of Polish product design – furniture, ceramics and glassware – and more: typography, toys, sporting equipment and even sweets! Contemporary design will be presented alongside classic designs and everyday favourites. The exhibition is a journey through the history of Polish design: the pieces are presented in chronological order.
The exhibition will also present interpretations of these design icons – twenty-five contemporary Polish illustrators and graphic designers were asked to share their visual interpretations of the pieces on display. Moreover, the exhibition will also share the stories behind each of the designs: find out about the designers, their inspirations and their creative process.
GNOM wooden blocks, designed by Stanisław Noakowski, 1922, illustration by Jacek Ambrożewski, photo: press materials
Illustrators & graphic designers who contributed to the exhibition:
Jacek Ambrożewski, Edgar Bąk, Maciek Blaźniak, Katarzyna Bogucka, Ada Buchholc, Iwona Chmielewska, Robert Czajka, Agata Dudek, Emilia Dziubak, Małgorzata Gurowska, Monika Hanulak, Marta Ignerska, Tymek Jezierski, Paweł Jońca, Agata Królak, Grażka Lange, Patryk Mogilnicki, Piotr Młodożeniec, Ania Niemierko, Ola Niepsuj, Marianna Oklejak, Paweł Pawlak, Dawid Ryski, Marianna Sztyma
The exhibition is organised by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute as part of its Polska Design programme promoting Polish design worldwide. The exhibition is co-organised by the Gdynia Design Centre and the Regional Museum in Stalowa Wola.
The presentation has been produced as part of the international cultural programme accompanying Poland’s centenary of regaining independence.
Gdynia Design Days is an annual festival showcasing the latest trends and best practices in the field of design. Brimming with inspiring exhibitions, lectures, workshops and discussions, the programme is aimed at both professionals, young entrepreneurs and design enthusiasts looking for inspiration for creative activities and creative leisure time. For 10 days in July, Gdynia becomes the best summer meeting place for the design industry. GDD is also the only festival of design in Poland during which prototypes created for exhibitions actually have the chance being put into production. We believe that an exchange of experiences and co-operation provide creative energy for the next year and that the ideas born during GDD have the power to spread throughout Poland and abroad.
The organiser of the festival is the Gdynia Design Centre/Pomeranian Science and Technology Park Gdynia/City of Gdynia.
Source: press materials, compiled by MKD, 23 May 2017, translated by NR June 2017
