Today it is all about Bella Hudson SinClair and Daniel Kosinski’s late grandfather, Dr. L.V. Kosinski. A graduate of West Point Military Academy and member of the 82nd Airborne. He went on, to become a recipient of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, Knights Cross and a holder of the Officer’s Cross of the Sovereign Order of St. Stanislas. Len as he was known to family and friends was an active member in over 12 organizations and associations. Including being the founder and president of the Polish Heritage Association of the South East Aiken.
I remember from an early age grandfather having us involved. Participating in doing the honor of unveiling the Josef Hofmann historical marker, near one of Hofmann’s residences in South Carolina. Being backstage meeting concert pianist Andrezej Dutkiewicz before enjoying his concert prior to going on stage to present flowers to him.
Our grandfather had fond memories of his father’s friend, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. (Famed pianist, statesman and first prime minister of a reborn Poland.) Visiting Len’s family home in Milwaukee, Wisc.
Music and the arts was important in our grandfather’s life. As it is in ours. We were always delighted to be involved and around the arts. Most of all spending time with our grandfather having a lot of the same interests. Yet, all of us still being are unique selves. Grandfather introduced us to Polish poster art. In Poland, poster’s are a very important form of art. His collection of Polish posters is vast; 49 from the collection were donated to USC Aiken by our grandparents.
We are delighted to be reunited in seeing 20 of his posters on exhibit at the Etherredge Center on the USCA campus.
We know our grandfather would be overjoyed that his collection is on display. To introduce a whole new audience and those who are already familiar with the artist and their work. Being able to have the opportunity to view them in such a beautiful and intimate setting. The best part is the entire collection is still all together hanks to the great care they have received. Art has the power to heal, inspire, calm, really speak to the heart and soul.
Poland’s artist in many ways were ahead of their time.
The origins of Polish poster art can be traced back over a 130 years. As early 1898, when the first International Exposition of the Poster was held in Krakow in 1898.
Polish poster artist had to really dive deep into being really creative, with hidden messages at times. Especially when under deep oppression by a communist regime. All throughout history there have been times were hidden messages and symbols were used to communicate. Such examples in history include old English nursery rhymes.
The Solidarity Movement brought a pop art style. Other posters have a very humorous, mischievous, even playful vibe. Poster art is to Poland what Rembrandt is to the Netherlands, and beautiful sculptures, frescoes and mosaics are to Italy.
I hope the exhibition sparks a new interest in this form of art.
My brother and I are still very passionate about the arts and keeping family traditions and our grandfather’s legacy alive. We will be forever grateful to Dr. Michael Fowler, Brandy McSorley and the students and staff involved at USCA. For bringing awareness to Polish art and culture through the exhibit, “The Struggle to Solidarity.”
Bella Hudson-Sinclair
Aiken
