Le festival du marais 1972

In 1972, the celebrated Polish-born graphic artist Roman Cieslewicz created a visually arresting poster for Le Festival du Marais, an iconic cultural event in Paris that blended historical and modern artistic expressions. Known for his bold, avant-garde designs, Cieslewicz’s poster stands as a remarkable representation of his mastery of form, color, and symbolism in the context of the early 1970s, when graphic art was deeply intertwined with the social and cultural movements of the time.

The striking poster features a silhouette of a face in profile, with the main visual element being the abstract shapes that emanate from the head, resembling both flames and organic growth. These shapes, colored in a radiant gradient of warm yellows, pinks, and deep purples, flow upwards, suggesting both energy and creativity. The choice of these colors against a stark black background creates a powerful contrast, drawing the viewer’s eye immediately to the central figure and the vibrant movement that surrounds it. The gradual color shift from blue to pink to orange mirrors the festival's dynamic spirit and the cultural vibrancy of the Marais district itself.

Cieslewicz’s design evokes a sense of both modernity and timelessness, capturing the essence of Le Festival du Marais, which sought to celebrate the rich history of one of Paris’s most storied neighborhoods while simultaneously showcasing contemporary artistic innovation. The abstracted figure can be seen as a representation of the festival-goer, the artist, or even the Marais itself—transformed and energized by the waves of creative expression radiating from its core.

The minimalist text at the bottom of the poster provides the essential details of the event: 6 juin - 14 juillet 1972, Festival du Marais. The clean, modern font used for the text is in keeping with the overall modernist aesthetic of the design, balancing the organic shapes above with the straightforward information below. The address and phone numbers for reservations are displayed in simple, white lettering, ensuring that the focus remains on the vivid visual at the top of the composition.

Cieslewicz, a key figure in the graphic design movement of the 20th century, brought his unique vision to every project he undertook, and this 1972 Festival du Marais poster is no exception. His work often blurred the boundaries between fine art and commercial design, incorporating surreal and abstract elements while maintaining a strong communicative purpose. His posters were known for their visual impact, designed to capture attention and communicate a clear, yet often metaphorical, message.

Le Festival du Marais itself was an important cultural event, celebrating music, theater, and the arts in the historic Marais district of Paris. Since its inception in 1961, the festival had grown in prestige, showcasing performances in beautiful, often centuries-old venues, including churches and mansions, that dotted the Marais. By the time Cieslewicz designed this poster for the 1972 edition, the festival had become a prominent fixture in the Parisian cultural calendar, attracting a diverse audience from across the city and beyond.

This poster not only promoted the festival but also encapsulated the transformative energy that art and culture brought to the Marais, a neighborhood that itself had undergone a revival after being preserved as a historical district. The bold, modernist approach of Cieslewicz reflected the contemporary spirit of renewal that was in dialogue with the historic roots of the area.

Today, original prints of this poster are highly prized by collectors of graphic art and design, appreciated both for their aesthetic qualities and their cultural significance. Roman Cieslewicz's contribution to graphic design has left an indelible mark, and this Le Festival du Marais poster remains a powerful example of his ability to distill complex themes into simple yet compelling visual forms. It is not only a piece of festival memorabilia but also a lasting work of art that continues to resonate with viewers decades after its creation.

Original poster

Exhibition - Show - Paris

Imprimerie Moderne du Lion

Good condition, a small tear