From August 9 - 31, 2025 we invite you to a unique exhibition of illustrators - Siemaszko & Wilkoń vs. Cichowska & Krzywicka. The exhibition to be seen in the villa Janówek (Fangorowka) on the premises of PAN OB - CZRB.
The exhibition is a meeting of four book illustration personalities in the unique space of Fangorovka. On the one hand, icons of the Polish school of illustration - Olga Siemaszko and Józef Wilkoń - artists who shaped the aesthetics of the children's book in the 20th century. On the other - representatives of the younger generation - Gabriela Cichowska and Marta Krzywicka, who reinterpret classic forms in the spirit of contemporary sensibility.
Olga Siemaszko (1911-2000), the "first lady of Polish illustration," known for her delicate, poetic images, worked on fairy tales and folk tales, among other things. Author of illustrations for some 200 books, among which the best known are: Alice in Wonderland, Tom Fingers, Locomotive or The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Jozef Wilkoń (born 1930), a world-renowned artist, created illustrations for more than 200 books. His works often touch on the theme of nature and animals. He combines painterliness with sculptural expression, not only in books, but also in spatial installations. In addition to many books for the youngest, he has illustrated Pan Tadeusz and Don Quixote, among others. Gabriela Cichowska - one of the leading Polish illustrators of the young generation. She draws inspiration from painting and graphics, bringing illustration into the space of high art. She mainly creates illustrations for children combining techniques such as monotype, collage, watercolor or drawing. In her works she often returns to the symbolism of the teddy bear and childhood memories. Marta Krzywicka - illustrator and graphic designer. She creates modern, minimalist works characterized by expressive lines and attention to detail. Her illustrations combine poeticism with emotionality, often contain elements of fantasy, subtle humor and an atmosphere that is both friendly and somewhat dark. They are universal - appealing to both children and adults.
The exhibition attempts a dialogue between tradition and modernity, classics and a fresh outlook. It is a meeting of different styles, techniques and sensibilities, which are united by a passion for telling stories through images.
We invite you to discover common threads and unique voices in the field of book illustration.
Curator: Mira Walczykowska
The exhibition is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm!
English 
Polish