Indie Posters
The Adventures of Artiomka, RussiaFilm posters are part of the urban landscape. We see them everywhere. Sometimes they are so generic that one banal film is indistinguishable from another. But not in Poland.
A tradition of poster art began with the emergence of a poster school in the late 1950s, lead by the painter, drawer and graphic artist, Henryk Tomaszewski. Everyone wanted a piece from this community of artists: for many years there was no film, opera or theatre premiere, concert, festival or other public event without a poster. One artist recalls that at the height of demand he was making a poster every week, and had to even decline commissions.
Japanese moster moviesFilms from around the world were reimagined by a great number of different artists, in a multitude of styles. These posters are works of art, a far cry from the commercial propositions inflicted on us today. Sadly, with the changes in applied graphics globally, the tradition of popular poster art is in decline in Poland. It is now more likely to be seen on the walls of an art gallery rather than plastered on the brick wall of a pub.
Read more about the history of this fine art at Polish Poster, where you can also purchase a vintage poster or three. Scroll down for some more of my favourites.
Scarlet Sails, Russia
An Event, Yugoslavia
The Man Who Wanted to Live Forever, Canada
Sunset Boulevard, USA
Sombrero, Russia
The Grasshopper, Russia
Happy Happy Joy Joy
Congas and Rhumbas, Columbia, 1941It’s the last month of winter! I am doing my happy dance – which is totally in keeping with these congas and rhumbas and calypsos. Even the colours of these vintage record covers – brought to you from the hands of vintage graphic designer Alex Steinweiss, and courtesy of my 2012 Taschen calendar – should give you a little pep. O happy day!
I didn’t know the proper definition of calypso music, but I learned (from that font of all wisdom, Wikipedia) that the Andrews sisters’ song Rum and Coca-Cola is an example. I love that song! Now I’m definitely in the mood for dancing. Go have a happy month.
Frank Holder Sings Calypso, London Records, 1957
Paper Rabbit
How quaint is this rabbit mask birthday card? I pounced on it (or should I say hopped?) a few weeks ago browsing in Bendigo’s Bob Boutique, a very pretty shop full of goods that made my friends and I exclaim in delight. I had to choose between bunny, fox and deer masks, but I discovered there are many more options online. They are available from TMOD, purveyors of quaint stationery goods, including cute scratchie cards like the one I received a little while ago. Hop to it!
Stop and Snap
Here is a selection of Portuguese bill posters that I photographed last year on the streets of Porto. I’ve no idea what they are promoting, but I liked them. All utilise illustration and are so colourful and eye-catching. Quite a different style to the majority one sees here in Melbourne.
I remember one day in Porto when a particular poster caught my eye in passing. I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to photograph it then, and thought I would come later or the next day. But when I returned it had already been plastered over, alas. I was quite annoyed. Always take the time to stop and snap on the spot, I say.
Fireworks
Igor Stravinsky’s ‘The Firebird Suite’, Decca Gold Label Series, 1958 This record cover of Stravinsky’s The Firebird on my July calendar page immediately makes me think of fireworks and Fourth of July celebrations, even though I’m not American.
Stravinsky wrote the music for Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes in 1910, and the ballet is based on a Russian folk tale of a magical glowing bird that is both blessing and curse to its captor. I don’t know the full story or the music, but Steinweiss’ graphic illustration seems to capture the glory of this mystical bird. The other cover is such a contrast, monumental and weighty to suit Beethoven’s symphony.
Whether you’re in for wintry blasts or a blaze of glory this month, happy July to you!
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Columbia Masterworks, 1946