The power of women
Published Feb. 15, 2024 12:29

"Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci, "Girl with a Pearl" by Jan Vermeer, or "Marlin Diptych" by Andy Warholato some of the most famous portraits of women over the years. They emanate both mystery and extraordinary power, something that still inspires artists around the world, including Polish ones. Thanks to the cooperation of the brand Gedeon Richter Poland with the outstanding graphic designer Andrzej Pągowski, this year we can admire as many as 12 unique portraits whose heroines became famous Polish women. It is these works of art that became the illustrations for the latest 13th edition of the Artistic Calendar.

How to illustrate the "power of women"?
In recent years, Polish women have more than once shown that they can unite and their opinions matter a great deal, so this is a slogan that perfectly defines us. The strength of women can also be seen in the pages of the new Gedeon Richter Poland Art Calendar. This is the 13th edition of the venture.
- Women's themes are extremely important to us, so this year the artists' task was to present exceptional Polish women who not only have an impact on history, but also inspire us with their strength and determination. Each of the works is accompanied by a quote that characterizes the personality of the heroines. It also shows the perception of the world and life, and values such as commitment, courage, respect, openness. These qualities are the strength of women, which the Gedeon Richter brand always supports," explains Aneta Grzegorzewska, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations of Gedeon Richter Poland. This year's edition is a true tribute to the fair sex. On the twelve pages of the calendar we will find portraits depicting outstanding Polish women, whose names are associated with strength, wisdom, as well as extraordinary empathy.
A year with art
Painting an extraordinary person is always a great challenge for an artist. But the choice of the heroines of this year's "Artistic Calendar" was no less. Famous Polish women, perfectly fitting the slogan "the power of women", after all, there is no shortage. So illustrated both those of them who have passed away, but left their mark on history, but there was also room for figures, still fighting for equal rights, indifferent to human injustice. In the end, the heroines of the portraits were identified by graphic designer Andrzej Pągowski, who has been the artistic director of the "Calendar" since its first edition. - I called friends, acquaintances, most of them already knew our publication, and some ladies, such as Krystyna Janda, Ewa Blaszczyk and Agnieszka Holland had already participated in one of the previous editions. I assigned an artist to each of the heroines based on my ideas about the artist and the work of the author in question," the graphic designer explains. As a result, today we can admire the portraits of the aforementioned women, as well as those of Anna Dymna, Kora, Olga Tokarczuk or Martyna Wojciechowska, among others.
With a light line
Among the artists participating in the project was Anna Halarewicz, who is associated with the world of fashion, among other things, and often portrays women. Her works decorated, among others, a line of scarves of one of Polish brands. It is Anna Halarewicz who is the author of the portrait of Irena Eris, one of the heroines of the "Gedeon Richter Artistic Calendar". - I was very happy when Andrzej Pągowski invited me to this project. I draw women on a daily basis, but this project is something completely different - a chance to work together with famous Polish artists and women artists to create portraits of outstanding Polish women who shape our reality. I felt great enthusiasm, which is probably why a day later the portrait was ready. - says the artist about the initiative. As she admits, a portrait is always a big challenge, but she also managed to complete this task to a medal. - With some faces, a single sketch is enough to capture their uniqueness. In creating this portrait, however, I decided that "something more" would be created. There is some magic in creating a portrait. It surprises me whenever I get down to it. I usually start by making dozens of sketches. With a few lines, I try to find out what determines the likeness of the person being portrayed. Sometimes, after one sketch, I "catch" that something and feel instinctively that it will be ok. Sometimes, however, I need to spend more time capturing the characteristic elements of a person. Then, when I draw, I "decompose" a particular face into its elements. This is somewhat akin to mathematics. I analyze at what height the line of the corner of the eye runs, or how the line of the nose is arranged. - Anna Halarewicz explains. The artist's work can be admired in this year's edition of the "Gedeon Richter Art Calendar".
Source: press mat.
Topics
kobiety