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Behind the Curtain

By Andrzej Klimowski and Peter Jenny
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Behind the Curtain recounts the journey of two young students who, during the 1970s, chose to stay in Eastern Europe amid dreams of heading West. Set against the harsh realities of communist Poland, it vividly portrays life, art, and politics through a unique graphic novel collaboration, blending distinctive artistic styles to depict a vibrant cultural scene.

The story captures the surreal everyday struggles, like the scarcity of toilet paper, alongside the creative flourishing of visionary artists involved in theatre, film, and exhibitions during a politically turbulent era that saw historic events such as the election of a Polish Pope and the rise of Solidarity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This graphic novel will appeal to readers interested in historical and political narratives, art enthusiasts, and those curious about Eastern European culture during the communist period. It suits readers who appreciate sophisticated storytelling through distinctive visual styles.

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A portrait of life as an artist behind the Iron Curtain

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

During the 1970s, when many Eastern European citizens dreamed of going West, two young students travelled the other way. They studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and, much to everyone's surprise, stayed on to make a living as artists.

Behind the Curtain is a graphic novel account of their journey. In this unique collaboration, two distinctive styles interweave to tell a charming and sophisticated story of life, art, and politics. Behind the Curtain is a portrait of the cultural environment that flourished against the backdrop of the harsh realities of the communist state.

Behind the Curtain captures the absurdities of a time when toilet paper was worth its weight in gold, as well as picturing the vibrant community of artists who were producing visionary theatrical productions, films, ground-breaking posters, and exhibitions. It was a time when a Polish Pope was elected, Solidarity Free Trade Unions were formed and, eventually, tanks appeared in the streets.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781906838966

Publisher: SelfMadeHero

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 March 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: SelfMadeHero

Illustration: B&W

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 241.0mm

Height: 168.0mm

Weight: 740g

Pages: 192

Collections

Adult Graphic Novels Andrzej Klimowski Fiction Graphic Novels Peter Jenny

About the Author

Andrzej Klimowski is a Professor of Illustration at the Royal College of Art. His work has been exhibited internationally and collected by museums in Europe and the United States. Throughout an acclaimed career, he has designed film and theatre posters, and has directed a number of short animated films. He has designed book covers for Penguin, Faber & Faber, Everyman Library and Oberon Books, as well as contributing drawings to The Guardian. Some of his most memorable posters and book covers include ones for Jim Jarmusch, Harold Pinter and Milan Kundera. His other graphic novels include The Depository, The Secret and Horace Dorlan (V&A Illustration Award-winner 2007), as well as The Master and Margarita and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.
Danusia Schejbal has exhibited her critically acclaimed paintings across Europe. Born in London, she studied fashion and was later awarded a British Council scholarship to study stage design. From 1976 to 1981, she designed sets and costumes for various theatres in Poland. Her career has subsequently seen her working as a designer for the award-winning Cherub Theatre Company and making short films with Klimoski. Schejbal previously collaborated with Klimowski on The Master and Margarita and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde for SelfMadeHero.

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