CYRK POLISH CIRCUS POSTER BOY, MAGICIAN AND LADY

Polish circus posters proclaiming the word "CYRK" (the Polish word for "circus") were first created in 1962 when Poland’s state circus agency, ZPR, commissioned leading artists to develop a modern approach to the circus poster. ZPR wanted an updated look for the circus poster to parallel the circus' efforts to upgrade its image.

These CYRK posters were not intended as advertisements for specific circus acts or attractions; rather, they were created as artistic representations of circus acts, reminding the public that an exciting and modern circus was coming to town, with shows certain to entertain and thrill. They are characterized by  vibrant colors, sly humor, and an up-close-and-personal look at circus acts featuring the curious and bizarre as well as the cute and humorous.