Agata Kowalska (Class VI)

 

AGATA KOWALSKA (CLASS VI)

NIEPUBLICZNA SZKOŁA PODSTAWOWA JAGIELLONKA, INOWROCŁAW, POLAND

Polish folk art: paper cutouts. 

Most probably it all started in mid 19th century. In Polish villages openwork paper curtains appeared in houses’ windows and it is said that it all started because of that. Later on colorful glossy paper appeared in Poland and people (mostly women) started cutting out flower or animal designs and decorated the inside of their houses. It played a crucial role in Polish folk art in 19th century. After World War I this custom slowly disappeared and after World War II it disappeared for good. However, regional paper cutouts still exist in Polish art and play an essential role. This kind of art appeared in some regions of Poland - they all slightly differ from each other. All the shapes are symmetrical. The most common designs are: trees, women, roosters and flowers as well as abstract shapes and the typical colors are: red, green, black, yellow, dark blue. Even though people don’t decorate their houses in the same way now, designs still appear on everyday objects like stamps, bags, plates and pillows. You can find many tutorials, like me, so give it a try as the final result is amazing! Have a look at mine!