POLAND SOLIDARITY POSTER EXHIBITION
Consulate General of Poland in İstanbul Miroslaw Stawski made the opening speech in Turkish in the exhibition that is organized with the initiation of İzmir University of Economics Head of Department of Visual Communication Assoc. Prof. Hakan Ertep. Consulate General stated that the 48 posters in the exhibition were indicating the social problems and solidarity of the era. In his speech, Consulate General Stawski talked about peace insurgents and told that the posters that were politically banned were printed secretly and the posters contained criticism for the governance and concepts about communism.
Vice-Rector and Dean of Faculty of Computer Sciences Prof. Dr. Cemali Dinçer pointed out that there were historical similarities between the two countries and said, “I am sure that this exhibition hosted by İzmir University of Economics will enrich İzmir.”
On the other hand, Assistant Dean of Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Asst. Prof. Christopher Wilson touched on the historical texture of the posters and stated that the aim of the posters was to change the status quo in Poland.
The name of the Poland Solidarity Poster is derived from the first independent labor union SOLIDARNOSC that is established against communist regime in June 1980. The most famous of the SOLIDARNOSC posters which are in simple forms since they were printed secretly is the poster designed by Tomasz Sarnecki in which Gary Cooper from the movie “High Noon" holds a voting card instead of a gun. The same poster that is used in İzmir University of Economics Exhibition Invitation was in every corner of Poland before the elections. The poster that was lastly taken to the USA by the Polish committee is still being exhibited in Harry Truman Presidential Library.