Behind the Curtain

by Andrzej Klimowski, Danusia Schejbal

During the 1970s, many Eastern European citizens dreamed of going West. Behind the Curtain is an autobiographical account of two young art students who travelled the other way. Studying and working in Poland, they found themselves part of a vibrant community producing visionary work across the arts - even as prices rocketed, trade unions drove social unrest and, finally, tanks appeared in the streets.

A unique collaboration interweaving two distinctive styles, Behind the Curtain combines life, art and politics to reveal the cultural environment that flourished despite the harsh realities of the communist state. When toilet paper is worth its weight in gold, what price do you put on expression?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 2015

About the author

Andrzej Klimowski, who was born to Polish parents in London, retains strong links with Poland, where he lived and worked for some years. During his career he has made films and written graphic novels. He has designed theatre posters and book covers for leading publishers. He was head of Illustration at the Royal College of Art for many years, and is now Professor Emeritus. He continues to produce graphic novels with his wife Danusia Schejbal, and works in graphics and produces illustrations. He also makes films. His work has been the subject of a retrospective at the National Theatre, London.

Reviews

[Jessica Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. It was difficult to follow at times due to an inconsistent time narrative. Lots of jumping back and forth without explaination.

I did however love the artwork and grew to really connect with the protaganist.

[Soobie has fog in her brain · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't bad... It just went all over the place and it was hard to keep track of what was happening. In addition it was jumping to much in time and things were a bit confused.

I've never set foot in Poland but I'm planning to. I did study Polish at the university and I'm trying to brush it up in case I need to use it again. So when I find comics about Poland I'm always curious about them.

The graphic novel does a good job in depicting the Polish daily life but it jumps around too much and the story seems episodic at times. The art isn't really my cup of tea but it fits perfectly to the story.

I don't regret buying it but, yeah... as much as I know about Polish history, it was still difficult for me to follow all the historical events depicted in the book.

[Misha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story told by the guests, passing strangers, not by those who had to live in that reality of Poland in 70s-80s, hence the overall easiness.
There's some jumping in time along the pages but it's not too confusing. And the drawing is masterful.