Date: 1977
Size: 26.75 x 37.25 inches
Artist: Aleksiun, Jan Jaromir
About Polish Posters: 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.
About Polish Puppetry: Puppet theatre has existed in Poland for at least five centuries. The first documentary evidence dates from the 15th century and mentions a performer from Vilnius named Waśko, who travelled alongside certain merchants with his puppet shows (lothki, łątki). He may well have been one of those artists of the popular theatre (skomorokh) in the Slav countries who not only exhibited their figures but also were already giving performances. Their presence could not have been easily ignored, since in the works of certain prominent Polish writers of the 16th century, notably Mikołaj Rej and Jan Kochanowski, the puppet and the puppet theatre figured in poetic analogies and metaphors – especially the recurring image of the puppet which evokes laughter whenever the player or jongleur wishes it. (From a really interesting site called https://wepa.unima.org/en/poland/)
Poster is in overall excellent condition, ready to frame. From a private collection.