Being of Polish descent, his portfolio embodies what we have come to associate with European design and culture.
The stylistic approach to typography that is frequently seen in his work seems indicative of European influence. Words written in his native Polish language are so appropriately styled, that the same approach with English words would still reflect his personal culture.
There is also much emphasis on graphic creativity in his work. Many commonplace shapes and objects that in the hands of a lesser designer would not work together are assembled into a visual harmony that effectively conveys the intended message. His work sets a bar for creativity that designers today still reach to attain. Characters are created from abstract shapes (as seen in the work Utstallning Polsk affisch) and shapes are created from the positioning of characters (as seen in Cyrk radziecki), giving a unique approach to establishing figures.
In the interest of contrast and comparison, I have selected the two pieces "Ars Erotica" by Tomaszewski and a piece found at http://origami-addict.ch
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The artistic style of Origami is well known as part of Japanese culture. The paper itself is folded into shapes to create art and in most cases resemble a figure found in nature or real life. Tomaszewski's approach to the theme "erotica" is very unique as it creates an abstract sort of sexuality. The figure in this case is somewhat folded, and has a resemblance to a bird when looked at initially. As the theme and concept sinks further into the viewers mind, we see the figures of legs emerge from the shapes. Just as Origami artists bend paper to establish perception, our perception is bent around the shapes that are presented.
Stylistically, there is a great difference between origami and the poster work seen here, but culturally I see how this work would be welcomed by those that are accustomed to the intricacies of origami. The method of the art is very different, but the creative approach is very much the same.
View more from the groundbreaking master Henryk Tomaszewski
