Happy birthday, Zofia Stryjeńska!
The present Doodle, illustrated by Poland-based guest artist Dixie Leota, celebrates the 130th birthday of Polish painter, graphic designer, illustrator, and stage designer Zofia Stryjeńska, who is broadly viewed as quite possibly the main Polish art deco artists of the early 1900s.
Across its countless mediums, Stryjeńska’s strong and adventurous work mirrors her character as a uncompromising heroine of creativity and artistic expression.
Born Zofia Lubańska on this day in 1891 in Kraków, Poland, Zofia Stryjeńska started painting cartoons of her dad’s customers in his glove shop, glove shop, developing a talent that became her life’s passion.
Be that as it may, gender barriers stood in the way of her artistic pursuits; barriers she was resolved to break.
As the Munich Academy of Fine Arts—her top choice of schools—was a traditionally all-male institution, Stryjeńska cut her hair and went to the university disguised as a man. Be that as it may, following a year in Munich, the pressure of keeping her identity covered up pushed her to get back to Kraków.
Enlivened by the history of her national identity, Stryjeńska started her profession at 21 with a series of paintings dependent on Polish folklore.
This modern take of a traditional art turned form became her hallmark; a style that acquired popularity as Poland had as of late recaptured its independence in 1911 and its citizens cherished their historical iconography.
Her 1917 series of surrealist lithographs named “Bożki Słowiańskie” (“Slavic Idols”) saw monstrous achievement and was printed on everything from postcards to chocolates.
A expert of folk costumes and Slavic mythology, Stryjeńska expressed the love of her heritage in work that went from wooden chess pieces to ballet costumes, similar to those designed for the 1930s Polish ballet “Harnasie.”
