Julia Kuczera
With growing xenophobia throughout Ireland, many foreign people feel outside of Irish society. It’s important for them to have an easy, accessible and safe space to integrate. Growing a connection with an Irish local is an immediate path to easy integration. Blossom is an initiative that organises a diverse range of casual events that provide a safe space for foreign and Irish people to connect. A seasonal event programme in posted with events like coffee meet ups and cinema nights, in collaboration with businesses. You can sign up and reserve a free ticket online, no long-term commitment needed. The branding is welcoming, fun and floral, showing that Ireland blossoms through multiculturalism.
This project is inspired by my mother, Ula, and her experience of living in Ireland. She told me she "always wished she could have an Irish friend," and found integration very difficult. My goal was to create a project that was welcoming, fun and warm, that would encourage both immigrants and refugees, as well as Irish locals to participate. I wanted to represent connection, diversity and cultures through mixed typography, flower patterns and photography.
I have created an engaging and inclusive initiative and campaign, on a topic that I think is really important to talk about right now. This project means a lot to my community. This work has great value for the social fabric of Ireland, if there is the opportunity I would like to take it further.
Is symbolic appropriation problematic, or is it a natural part of artistic expression?
In 2020, the Polish government imposed a near total ban on abortion, sparking Poland's largest protests in decades, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. My thesis analyses protest imagery from the All-Poland Women’s Strikes, that used subverted religious and national symbols, to critique both the Catholic Church and Polish nationalism. I examine how Polish feminists have reclaimed these sacred and patriotic symbols and turned them into feminist symbols of resistance. Ultimately, my thesis discusses how Polish nationalism is deeply gendered with women’s rights being sacrificed in the name of Poland's Catholic national identity. I further explored this topic for my ISTD Student Assessment.
Hi! I'm Julia, a Polish graphic designer with a love for brand identity, motion and editorial design. I'm especially interested in projects that bring people together and tell a story. Having grown up between Poland and Ireland, naturally my background plays a big part in how I see and approach design. I enjoy drawing from both cultures and blending those influences to create work that is meaningful and human. Through design, I hope to make some kind of small but positive impact in the world.
