art in public space, glass mosaic | 2018
A STELLAR MOSAIC FILLS THE SPACE OF WARSAW’S ZODIAK PAVILION OF ARCHITECTURE
Presenting one of the largest-scale mosaics in the Polish capital, Cosmos takes its cue from one of the most prevalent design motifs of the modernist era. Set in the revamped structure that once housed the Zodiak bar, the Architecture Pavilion is meant to serve as an exhibition and meeting space for the city’s urban planning professionals and architecture enthusiasts.
Magdalena Lapinska-Rozenbaum’s Cosmos is the only embellishment in the pavilion’s minimalist space. Grand in its scope (covering an area of 100 sqm), the vertical mosaic of green, black and blue glass serves as a visual bridge linking the two levels of the structure. Walking up the steps to the upper floor, visitors can enjoy a closer look at the abstract patterns of the five arches symbolising five individual planetary trajectories and the fountain that once stood in the original Zodiak structure.
As Łapińska-Rozenbaum describes her idea for Cosmos:
I wanted the mosaic to have its own dynamic. Its elements starting down at the lower level and rising up. I also felt it was important for it to retain a sense of lightness in spite of its size. For me, the green represents plant life and the natural world, while the black represents the night sky. In Cosmos, the forces of light and darkness converge.
In creating her mosaic, Magdalena Lapinska-Rozenbaum has forged a dialogue with modernist architecture and design of the 1960s on multiple levels, including the retrieval and repurposing of some of the glass elements that made up the original mosaic in the original Zodiak structure, supplemented by recycled glass from other sources. Her choice to use recycled glass also has its roots in the tendency for repurposing materials that characterized the work of artists and designers of the era.
„The artist and designer, Magdalena Łapińska-Rozenbaum, chose the traditional ceramic technique, porcelain, to present a subject which breaks conventions of the art history. 'Totem' is a small bas-relief decorated with laurel wreath, intended to represent and strengthen female sexuality. The object was initially made as a personal gift.”
“Totem” was exhibited on BODY WORKS exhibition @ State Gallery of Art, Sopot
13 Jun ⏤ 11 Aug 2019
branding | client: ABRIS Capital Partners | 2017
all photos: Weronika Ławniczak
This was one of the most important projects I carried out. Great challenge, amazing collaboration and an effect, with which both parties were very pleased. The so-called DREAM JOB.
I have designed the full identification of the solemn gala of the 10th anniversary of the Abris Capital Investment Fund, held at Ujazdowski Castle on September 13, 2017.
My design work included event logo, invitation cards, mailing, catalogue, chocolate box and new business cards for employees.
http://www.abris-capital.com/
personal, artistic project | Kasia Michalski Gallery, Warsaw | 2015
http://www.kasiamichalski.com/en/exhibitions/the-drawers/
I titled my series, five acrylic drawings done on paper, Holiday Hybrid. The rough drafts for this project were created during my six-month stay in Australia. It happened to be summertime there, so the drawings reference the summer, sun, ice-cream, boats...
Participants of the first edition: Rafał Dominik, Ewa Doroszenko, Michał Gayer, Ewa Iwaniuk, Maria Jeglińska, Piotr Krzymowski, Magdalena Łapińska, Maess, Szymon Szewczyk
SECOND LIFE OF PLATES is the collection of decorative plates for the wall, table or any other place in your home. Plates can be used individually or you can combine them as u want and creating your own sets.
Plates with graphics are fired at 850 degrees in professional ovens, what makes them permanent and also suitable for serving food. Manual method of applying illustration on plates make every piece unique and original.
ceramic, graphic design | 2009
A Dream of Warsaw is one of my favourite project from my portfolio. It is a collection composed of six ceramic buildings from Communist times, with design elements referencing their actual architecture. The project, which by now has an almost cult status, began 8 years ago and is still extremely popular. The miniatures are purchased by lovers of Warsaw and tourists alike.
Where did the idea for the A DREAM OF WARSAW collection come from?
Until I was 18 years old, I lived in the very centre of Warsaw, on the corner of Emilia Plater Street and Jerozolimskie Avenue. Buildings such as Sezam, the Skarpa Cinema, the Central Train Station, Rotunda or Supersam were always familiar to me. They are part of the urban life for anyone living in Warsaw. I wanted to show that this everyday Warsaw is beautiful and fascinating. Another reason for creating the collection was the fear that these interesting buildings would one day disappear. Three of them already have: the Skarpa Cinema, Sezam and Supersam. Supersam could be destroyed because it was never placed on the register of objects of cultural heritage. That was a great oversight, considering its unique architecture. I wanted to make the citizens of Warsaw reflect on the fact that the city’s symbols could disappear, and that maybe we should put up a fight about it. The third reason is my very personal and sentimental attitude towards Warsaw and its Communist architecture. I know many people share my feelings. They can express their fondness for both the buildings themselves and Warsaw in general, by owning A DREAM OF WARSAW pieces. A DREAM OF WARSAW is a tribute to both modernist architecture and Warsaw.
neon was made by The Neon Museum in Warsaw Prague
I created a neon light project for a pastry shop, Lukullus, based in Warsaw. I wanted to connect with traditions of neon signs in Warsaw, and in particular to the iconic sign, at the Constitution Square, representing a volleyball. My intention was to depict the cherries falling just like the volleyball.
Lukullus is Warsaw pastry founded in 1946, using only natural ingredients. Two owners: Albert Judycki and Jacek Malarski are both passionate about cakes.
glazed porcelain, metal, 15 x 38 cm, 2023
I was asked to make four full page illustrations about: breakfast, lunch and dinner for a famous Polish cooking magazine, Kukbuk.
personal project, porcelain and ceramic design, graphic design | 2013
"This passion was born during the artist’s studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Faculty of Design. That is also where the designer created the, widely discussed at the time, project: A Dream of Warsaw. It is a collection of six miniature ceramic representations of Warsaw’s famous modernist buildings. That is when Łapińska decided she would one day create her own brand dedicated to porcelain, a brand for which she would be solely responsible since, as she says, this gives one true independence.
Łapińska's porcelain style is the result of combining traditional craftsmanship with a modern approach to design. The artist looks for inspiration in many different places: Polish porcelain design in the 50’s and 60’s, the geometry of modern art or hand painted Chinese porcelain.”
Hanna Rydlewska, Journalist
I created the awards for the 4th edition of the Architectural Award organised by Polityka magazine, 2014 in Warsaw.
“2014 was maybe the best in many, many years for Polish architecture. The five finalists of the Poplityka Architectural Award are a testament of this- each building deserves respect and admiration.”
Piotr Sarzyński, May 12th 2015, POLITYKA
My love for modernist posters and constructivist collages once again makes itself known here. The geometry has an amazing effect on my work and the architecture excites my sixth sense.
interior design: Jan Strumiłło
I had the pleasure of designing paper shopping bags in two sizes, clothing tags and postcards for this exceptional company. I wanted the designs to be as unique and original as the boutique. The interior of WONDERS inspired me with the variety of fabrics and colours and I really enjoyed this project.
Wonders by GaliLu is an original collection of oddities- beautiful and exceptional objects, created with a meticulous attention to detail. Each object is an example of the passion, artistry and sensitivity of the designer or craftsman. This subjective selection includes the products of niche brands from all over the world- from California, through Italian manufacturers, to Japan. Wonders by GaliLu is an extension of the way the neoperfumery GaliLu thinks of shaping beauty and promoting high quality
The Museum of Warsaw’s Modernism Modernism Wwa is a living museum blended with the buildings which serve as the exhibits. The task was to choose the buildings and come up with a way to present their past.
Besides the visual communication of the museum itself, I also created posters presenting each of the five buildings. The posters are inspired by collages and the works of Henryk Berlewi, El Lissitzky and other extraordinary constructivist and suprematist artists. These two movements have always fascinated me; I am draw to their radicalism, simplicity of form and clarity of composition.
full visual identity, Warsaw | 2011
NABO is like my second home which made this project even more special for me.
A few words about NABO:
“Our café was born of our love for Sadyba (district of Warsaw), forgotten and yet just asking to be placed on the culinary map of Warsaw, and our passion for cooking and Scandinavia. The land of calm, order and ubiquitous ecology. The kingdom of bicycles and beautiful design, wonderful fairy tales and extraordinary poetry. As a Polish-Danish family we wished to create our own little Copenhagen in Warsaw.”
It is worth mentioning that NABO received the most prestigious award given to restaurants in Warsaw- it became the Restaurant of the Year in 2012 by the newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza.
graphic design, packaging | 2018
project coordinators, editors and exhibition concept idea : dr Karolina J. Dudek and dr hab. Sławomir Sikora (Institute of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, University of Warsaw)
The Images of Cultural Diversity and Heritage project was the outcome of the partnership of three institutions: the University of Warsaw, the University of Bergen and the Nordic Anthropological Film Association (NAFA). The project was made up of three events: a Festival of anthropological and documentary films, a scientific conference focused on visual anthropology and European cultural heritage, and a series of workshops.
I was asked to design a full visual identity for the event, including booklets, posters, invitations, a catalogue and a big-format posters for the exhibition. I enjoy working with cultural institutions since you always need to investigate an event in depth, which allows for the opportunity to learn many interesting things. Additionally, I feel the organisers and I share an educational mission.
