Date: 1977
Size: 26.5 x 36.25 inches
Artist: Aleksiun, Jan Jaromir
About The Poster: Polish posters have come to stand apart from the advertising design conventions fostered in Europe during the 20th century. It was during the communist regime, a time when culture was closely monitored by the state, that Polish artists found liberation in poster art. Ironically, this foremost public artform became ground for individual expression. During that period, the cultural institutions (of theatre and cinema especially) flourished as they were funded by government agencies. Artists freshly out of the fine arts academy flocked towards poster production as the demand for this art was rapidly growing. The result became some of the most unique and expressive posters the world has ever seen - and artworks in themselves.
This poster was created for a theatrical production of the poetic drama Dziady by the Polish poet Adam Michiewicz. Considered one of the greatest works of both Polish and European Romanticism, Dziady refers to an ancient Slavic feast commemorating the dead (the "forefathers"). A ban on the performance of the play was an aspect of the 1968 Polish political crisis.
Poster is in overall excellent condition, ready to frame. From a private collection.