Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Franciszek Starowieyski's calligraphic superrealism


Franciszek Starowieyski (b. 1930) studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow. He works in graphic design, drawing, theater, television scenography, murals and posters. 


He was the originator of the so-called "Theater of Drawing," a superimposition of acting with drawing backdrops.


He was the first Polish artist to have a one-man show at MoMA 
in New York, in 1986.


No standard typeface either, in the school of Tomaszewski. See how he favors calligraphy over typeface. Are they not related? 


Major Awards: International Biennale of the Arts, Sao Paulo 1973, award; Cannes Film Festival 1974, film poster award; International Poster Biennale, Warsaw, Silver Medal 1974, 1978; International Film Festival, Chicago, film poster Gold Plaque 1979, film poster competition Silver Hugo 1982.



What's Starowieysk's style? 

1- use of fine calligraphy,  
2- theatricality, 
3- female bodies & the skull, 
3- ornamental motifs,