Vintage Posters | Mysterious Buddha | Waldemar Swierzy

“Mysterious Buddha” was the first action film to be shot in mainland China since the beginning of the Reform and Opening policy, which was launched under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping in 1978. Drawing from the traditional Chinese popular literature of chuanqi, crime thrillers, martial arts films, and horror films, the film was a smash hit with domestic audiences. It revolves around the story of a conspiracy to steal an ancient Buddhist treasure, and the strange figures surrounding this mysterious object. The poster artist Waldemar Świerzy (1931-2013) was a renowned Polish graphic designer and a pivotal figure in the Polish School of Posters. Born in Katowice, Świerzy graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków in 1952. Over his prolific career, he created over 2,500 posters, contributing significantly to the cultural and artistic landscape of Poland. Świerzy’s work is characterized by its vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and innovative use of typography. His posters cover a wide range of subjects, including film, theater, music, and cultural events, often blending abstract and figurative elements to convey powerful messages. In addition to his poster work, Świerzy was a respected educator, teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and Poznań. He received numerous awards and international recognition, including the prestigious Toulouse-Lautrec Prize. Świerzy’s legacy endures through his influential designs, which continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.