ARTISTS AND INTELLECTUALS IN CARICATURES
Jerzy Flisak, nowadays associated mainly with satirical drawings, was one of the most prominent creators of Polish poster and illustration art. The artist dealt with scenography and animated films, he was also responsible for visual design in animations at the Animated Film Studio in Bielsko-Biała. He published his popular satirical drawings in "Polityka", "Świat", "Świerszczyk", "Kultura", "Polska", "Przegląd Kulturalny" magazines. The artist debuted in "Szpilki" magazines in 1950, where he later held the position of graphic editor.
He illustrated many books, including "Lwowskie baśnie i legendy: jak król Sobieski Jóźka Batiara polubił" by Zdzisław Nowak, "Jest taki dowcip" by Jerzy Wittlin, "Za Kierdziołkową miedzą" by Jerzy Ofierski, "Zabawny leksykom historyczny" by Jan S. Kopczewski, "Pali się!" by Jan Brzechwa, "Kim zostaniesz? wybierz sam!, Ojczyzna polszczyzna: dla uczniów" by Jan Miodek, "Mrs Parkinson's Law" by C.N. Parkinson.
Jerzy Flisak created the character of a small dog Bobik, whose adventures had been published in "Świerszczyk" children's magazine for over 20 years. The adventures, witty and jaunty in their style, won the hearts of young readers.
Jerzy Flisak authored numerous movie posters. His posters were casual in their design. This nonchalance was very characteristic and distinguished the artist's works, just like his inexhaustible humor, versatility, effortlessness in using colors, and ingenious typography. Flisak was great at framing, he made use of quotes and was able to adopt diverse styles thanks to his wide variety of skills.
Stefan Kiesielewski - a composer, pedagogue, music critic, journalist, writer, social and political activist, author of many books on music, one of the most colorful figures in the Polish music scene.
Bohdan Suchodolski - a philosopher, historian of science and culture, author of research works in the field of pedagogy, history of Polish science and philosophy, professor at the Jan Kazimierz University in Lviv and the University of Warsaw. Suchodolski was awarded the title of doctor honoris causa by the University of Berlin, Lomonosov Moscow State University, the University of Padua, the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences in Berlin, the Pedagogical University of Opole, the University of Silesia in Katowice, and the University of Warsaw.
Tadeusz Konwicki - a prosaist, screenwriter, film director. He made his debut in the press as a reporter and illustrator in 1946, publishing his article "Szkice z Wybrzeża" which featured the artist's own illustrations.
Flisak created a series of caricatures presenting famous people associated with political and cultural scenes. His skills allowed him to capture the most important features of his models by making just a few brush strokes. Expressive faces depicted in his drawings reflected both physical and psychological traits of the portrayed people. The artist was a brilliant observer, sensitive to facial expressions and gestures. The auction "Jerzy Flisak. Master of Caricature" includes a series of satirical portraits, displaying, among others, Henryk Tomaszewski,who may be identified by his eyeglass frames, Bodgan Suchodolski, Tadeusz Konwicki, Kazimierz Brandys, or Leszek Długosz. The works also present famous actors, musicians, publicists, and intellectuals.
The artist received the award of the Minister of Culture and Art in 1961 and the award of the Prime Minister in 1985 for his satirical art. He was also awarded the "Golden Pin" award twice. Jerzy Flisak's works were exhibited in the Museum of Caricature in Poland on numerous occasions, as well as in Austria, Canada, Lebanon, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany.
Henryk Tomaszewski was one of the greatest poster artists in the history of this artistic field. The artist was an outstanding graphic designer, illustrator, and teacher. He also co-founded the Polish school of poster art. The artist emphasized that "throughout his life, he tried to discover signs that would be understandable to everyone".
Zdzisława Sośnicka - singer, conductor, composer, her amazing vocal ranges span 2.5 octaves. In 1977, she won the Grand Prix du Disque at the Sopot Festival, as well as the second prize and the audience award at the International Festival in Rostock.
Kalina Jędrusik- theater and film actress, singer and cabaret artist. The artist’s played her characters in a dramatic and characteristic manner, e.g. Ophelia in "Castle in Sweden", Holly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's", Catherine in "The Taming of the Shrew", and George Sand in "Summer in Nohant". Her role in Bertold Brecht's "The Threepenny Opera" directed by Konrad Swinarski brought her great success.