Poles in the Canadian Mosaic: 150 Years of History
The starting point for designing the „Poles in the Canadian Mosaic” exhibition was the natural beauty of Canada—a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, forests, and snow. From the outset, we aimed to use as many natural materials as possible to create an authentic experience, complemented by the forest-like scent. Canada, the land of the maple leaf, is also a cultural mosaic, reflecting the biodiversity of its forests. The white and red colors featured in the exhibition symbolize the flags of both Poland and Canada.
Exhibition Layout
We divided the exhibition into two parts.
Corridor of the Maritime Station
The first part is located in the corridor of the Maritime Station and features plywood furniture that mimics the shapes and rhythms of a forest. These are not entirely flat objects; many graphic elements—such as title letters or photos—are rendered in three dimensions. The bottom of all the furniture is painted with a white gradient, giving it a light appearance reminiscent of snowy Canadian landscapes. Some pieces of furniture incorporate showcases for exhibits. The varying width and height of the furniture create a formally consistent rhythm. Additionally, there is a play with perspective and anamorphosis in the maple leaf motif, where leaf fragments of different sizes form a cohesive whole when viewed from the correct perspective.
Temporary Exhibition Hall
The second part of the exhibition, including a monumental map of Canada and portraits of Canadians of Polish origin, is situated in the temporary exhibition hall. This section has a slightly different character. Portraits of Canadians with Polish roots are integrated into light furniture that leans against the wall like planks in a sawmill. At the center is a three-dimensional map of Canada, divided into provinces, displaying data on the distribution of the Polish ethnic group in Canada. The exhibition highlights the Polish contribution to the Canadian mosaic, emphasizing the importance of people—Canadians of Polish origin.
Polish Graphic Design Award – Main Prize for the exhibition Poles in Canadian Mosaic. 150 Years of History for the Emigration Museum in Gdynia
design: Dorota Terlecka
graphics: Anita Wasik
Emigration Museum in Gdynia