My discovery of and fascination with TypoPolo was rewarded with an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, curated by Rene Wawrzkiewicz. The TypoPolo exhibition is trying to grasp and describe visual actions connected with vernacular graphics, accidental typography and bottom-up design. The exposition consists of examples of signboards, lettering and inscriptions. Part two is made up of typographic and graphic designs made by professional designers who seek inspiration in TypoPolo.Today, the TypoPolo style is quickly disappearing. And although the professional „Helvetica” has come to reign on signboards and inscriptions in Polish cities, TypoPolo cannot be erased. It will remain a non-recognized and embarrassing part of the Polish visual identity forever.
foto Bartosz Stawiarski / Jakub Stępień