The exhibition KAROL ŚLIWKA – THE LEGEND OF POLISH DESIGN in Burgas
2026.03.22
24 March – 10 April 2026
Basement Hall, Regional Center for Contemporary Art and Library – Burgas
Exhibition opening: 24 March 2026 (Tuesday), 5:30 pm
The National Academy of Art – Burgas Branch and the Polish Cultural Institute in Sofia jointly present to the Burgas public the exhibition Karol Śliwka – the Legend of Polish Design.
Also, the documentary “The Signs of Mr Śliwka” will be screened to the students at the Burgas Branch on 25 March (Wednesday) 2026 at 5:00 pm, Magazia 1, Port Complex Burgas.
Karol Śliwka turns the symbol into his main means of expression. The selected works reveal the power of simple forms and the ease with which universal and meaningful messages can be interpreted when the visual language is clear and memorable.
Karol Śliwka (1932–2018) is among the most iconic Polish graphic designers, who has left a lasting mark on Poland's cultural memory. Born in Harbutowice, he graduated with a degree in Painting from the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts, but quickly found his true path in graphic design. His big breakthrough happened in 1957, when he won the first prize in a national competition for cigarette packaging design. From that moment on, Śliwka developed an active career of creating posters, packaging, postage stamps and book covers, leaving a mark on the everyday visual environment in Poland.
With his clean, humane and memorable style, he shows how a simple sign can carry universal symbolism and a profound message.
Karol Šlivka has become a symbol of the high standards and social significance of graphic design. His work continues to inspire new generations of authors and to remind us that the power of design lies in its simplicity and accessibility.