Signs of Mr. Plum

Galeria Grafika presents an exclusive screening of the award-winning documentary Signs of Mr. Plum, exploring the remarkable life and work of internationally acclaimed Polish graphic designer and poster artist Karol Śliwka.

Presented in conjunction with the PLAKAT exhibition, this special one-night event offers a rare opportunity to discover the story behind one of Poland's most influential graphic designers, whose handcrafted posters, logos and visual identities became woven into everyday life and continue to inspire designers around the world.


Event Schedule

6.00pm
Complimentary beer, wine or soft drink on arrival.

6.20pm
Welcome by Galeria Grafika owner Samantha Knoll and special guest Patryk Hardziej, co-founder of the Karol Śliwka foundation who will introduce the film and remarkable legacy of Karol Śliwka.

6:30pm
Signs of Mr. Plum screening begins (70 minutes).

Following the screening
Audience Q&A with Patryk Hardziej + attendees are warmly invited to Galeria Grafika (just a short walk from the cinema) for an exclusive after-hours viewing of work by Karol Śliwka.

Synopsis by Carolin Weidner for DOK Leipzig

When Karol Śliwka (1932–2018) opens his drawer, dozens of tools jump out: scissors, compasses, rulers, and knives. For Śliwka’s equally famous and elegant graphic designs are purely handmade. They are displayed on consumer goods and advertising posters, even became iconic symbols of the United Nations. His career was far from predestined: Having suffered a serious eye injury in a childhood accident and bound to take over his parents’ farm, Karol Śliwka’s turn to art could be seen as an act of rebellion. It has paid off, as proved not only by the numerous awards he won during his long career. Via home videos, “Signs of Mr. Plum” also gives us insights into his joyful marriage to an opera singer. Bartosz Mikołajczyk and Urszula Morga skilfully connect Karol Śliwka’s designs with contemporary history, capturing the mood of the 1960s and 1970s with a light hand and quick editing. Graphic design and biography merge into an accessible and highly amusing mixture.