New Polish Illustration Anthology Highlights Contemporary Scene

The book "Nie ma się co obrażać. Nowa polska ilustracja" (Karakter, 2017), edited by Patryk Mogilnicki, anthologizes over twenty contemporary Polish illustrators. The 320-page volume features works by artists such as Tymek Jezierski (Bielsko-Biała, 1983), Ola Niepsuj (Łódź, 1986), Paweł Mildner (Wrocław, 1986), and Magda Wolna (Poznań, 1973). The book includes texts in Polish only. In an interview, illustrator Zosia Dzierżawska (Warsaw, 1983), who works with Milan's Armad'illo studio, discusses the Polish scene: after a decline in the 1990s and a slow recovery in the 2000s, the market has stabilized. She notes the strong influence of the Polish poster school on contemporary illustrators, especially among art school students, but also many self-taught artists. Comparing Poland and Italy, she finds production levels similar, but Italy has a stronger sense of community with more festivals and associations, while Polish illustrators lack unity. However, Italian editorial fees have dropped to Polish levels, which is alarming given the higher cost of living in Italy.