Creator of Poland's Most Famous Logos: Major Exhibition of Karol Śliwka's Work Opens

Karol Śliwka's legacy is a cornerstone of modern Polish design, and this exhibition at Warsaw's Rotunda PKO is a fitting tribute to his immense talent. For over six decades, Śliwka's hand-drawn logos and designs have become deeply embedded in the fabric of Polish daily life, shaping our visual landscape in ways we often take for granted. From the familiar PKO savings bank logo, a design that itself faced initial skepticism before becoming iconic, to the logos for educational institutions like WSiP and cultural landmarks like the National Library, his work is a testament to enduring design principles.

What makes Śliwka's contribution particularly remarkable is his dedication to manual creation. In an era increasingly dominated by digital tools, his meticulous use of pencil, compass, and ruler produced designs that remain strikingly contemporary and functional. This exhibition, coinciding with the release of the documentary "Znaki Pana Śliwki" (Signs of Mr. Śliwka), offers a comprehensive look at his prolific output, spanning from the post-war era to the early 21st century. It's a chance for Poles to reconnect with the visual identity of their nation, as shaped by one of its most important graphic artists.

This retrospective is more than just a display of graphic art; it's a celebration of Polish creativity and resilience. Śliwka's ability to create universally recognizable symbols for major Polish institutions and brands underscores a unique national design narrative. While international coverage might focus on the technical aspects of design, for Poland, this exhibition is about recognizing a national treasure whose work has quietly defined the visual language of generations. The exhibition's tour across Poland after its Warsaw debut ensures that this important cultural heritage reaches audiences nationwide, reinforcing the deep connection between Śliwka's art and the Polish collective memory.

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We want visitors to feel that they encounter at least one of Karol Śliwka's works every day.