Polish Posters Conquer the World
/An exclusive interview with graphic artist – Patrycja Longawa, conducted by Joanna Sokołowska-Gwizdka. Patrycja is a winner of over 70 awards in prestigious utility art competitions, and her works have been showcased in 400 exhibitions across 40 countries around the globe. (More posters! and the Polish language version of this interview is also available on CultureAve.com)
Joanna Sokołowska-Gwizdka: Patrycja, you crafted an outstanding poster for us to announce the 18th Polish Film Festival in Austin. Its originality and meticulous detail stand out in every aspect. It not only meets the design expectations but also captivates attention, making it hard for anyone to simply walk by without taking notice. What inspired you to delve into applied graphics?
Patrycja Longawa: I think I "caught the bug" for this passion during classes in Design Studio II at the University of Rzeszów under Dr. Wiesław Grzegorczyk, professor at UR. It was there that I created my first works and fell in love with applied graphics.
Sokołowska-Gwizdka: Are there any poster designers who have significantly influenced your education or served as mentors?
Longawa: At this point, I should introduce two masters. The first is Professor Stanisław Białogłowicz, under whom I did my bachelor's in painting. During his classes, I learned to consciously use color, composition, and form. The second person I'd like to mention is the previously mentioned Dr. Wiesław Grzegorczyk, professor at UR, under whose supervision I designed my first posters. His feedback and corrections, as well as the fact that he himself is a poster artist, greatly motivated and inspired me, which ultimately led me to pursue posters professionally.
Sokołowska-Gwizdka: You reside and practice in Rzeszów, yet you've garnered international acclaim. With over 400 exhibitions, both domestically and at several esteemed global venues, along with numerous awards, what do you attribute this phenomenal success to?
Longawa: It's hard for me to answer this question because I must judge myself. I believe that my desire for self-development and the immense amount of work I put into it played a significant role. Of course, I realize that, in many cases, hard work alone is not enough, and sometimes timing matters. Additionally, thanks to my painting studies, I understood how essential an individual artistic language is, which allowed me to develop my own recognizable poster style.
Sokołowska-Gwizdka: Do you think you have found a universal language of communication that is able to be perceived across all cultures?
Longawa: I wouldn't make such unequivocal statements. Yes, posters are among the few media that allow reaching many recipients regardless of nationality. A good example might be a social poster. However, we should remember that many factors influence the clarity of the message, and it's not always possible to standardize it.
Sokołowska-Gwizdka: Which award was the most surprising for you?
Longawa: It was the award from the Moscow Global Biennale of Graphic Design Golden Bee from Russia in 2020 in the main POSTER UNLIMITED category. Golden Bee is one of the most prestigious poster competitions in the world. To put things into perspective, the organizers mentioned that approximately 30,000 posters were submitted to the competition that year.
Sokołowska-Gwizdka: Being from the younger generation, you've grown up in an era of ubiquitous computer access. While the computer might be your primary tool, do you still enjoy tactile interactions with paper, experiencing color and space in reality rather than just on-screen?
Longawa: Absolutely. I frequently start with preliminary sketches using traditional methods, like pencil on paper. I've also made test prints occasionally to verify colors or to select the appropriate paper type for my posters.
Sokołowska-Gwizdka: Is designing posters, for you, art, or artistic craftsmanship?
Longawa: It's a combination of these fields, as a poster combines both worlds.
Sokołowska-Gwizdka: Do you think the rapid advancement of technology poses a threat to creators?
Longawa: We're witnessing an unprecedented surge in the development of artificial intelligence, which could potentially threaten many creators. Those most at risk might be emerging artists who are just starting their journey in the art world. However, I'm of the belief that genuine art can stand its ground. I also feel that many will continue to commission posters from seasoned artists due to their immense artistic value.
Sokołowska-Gwizdka: We are eagerly awaiting the exhibition of your posters, which will soon take place at the AO5 Gallery in Austin, Texas. We are proud that young Polish creators are conquering the world.
Interviewed by: Joanna Sokołowska-Gwizdka
Poster for the 18th Austin Polish Film Festival by Patrycja Longawa,
