Visual Communication graduate’s work showcased at the Eisteddfod AmGen 2021 Y Lle Celf exhibition

The designs of Karolina Jones (formerly Kwaśniak) have been exhibited at this week’s Y Lle Celf Open Exhibition during the Eisteddfod AmGen 2021.

Karolina Jones is a recent graduate of the Visual Communication MA degree programme at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art. Karolina is a Polish visual artist based in Swansea, who explores her own uncertain identity and the feeling of not being Polish nor Welsh ‘enough’ and being ‘lost within both societies’.

For her graduate project entitled The Polkymraes (Polk- from Polka – in Polish: Polish woman, -ymraes from Cymraes – in Welsh: Welshwoman) she took inspiration from the influences of the Welsh language and culture as well as her Polish heritage.  The project focuses on the blending of Polish and Welsh cultures which is portrayed by the use of typography and naturally dyed fabrics, with flowers and colours representing the two identities.

Responding to the Y Lle Celf exhibition, Karolina Jones, commented:

"I am excited to finally see the online exhibition! I have been waiting impatiently for two months but it’s a great honour to be selected among the chosen finalists for the largest temporary art exhibition in Europe!

Having a degree in English Philology with Celtic Studies and in Visual Communication, exhibiting my work at the Eisteddfod AmGen was one of my linguistic and artistic dreams. I am both shocked and proud that I managed to achieve this before I even graduated from my MA.

I’d like to thank the Eisteddfod for this wonderful opportunity."

As one of the selected artists, Karolina's work was included in the final of the Eisteddfod's prestigious Josef Herman People's Choice Award.  At the end of the week, one piece from Karolina's collection, titled "Polkymraes - Poland", secured third place in the vote.  She added:

"I am honoured to be among the chosen artists. I was surprised that my Polkymraes - Poland design has received so many votes, and I am very happy that my Polish side of this mixed identity project has been appreciated at the Welsh National Eisteddfod."

To view more of Karolina's work please visit her Instagram page.

Further Information

For more information please contact Arwel Lloyd, Principal PR and Communications Officer, on 07384 467076 / arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk