Technique: Election poster

Material: offset printing

Year of creation: 1989

Historical Context: Parliamentary elections in Poland, marking the beginning of the end of the communist system.

General description: The poster depicts a silhouette of a man walking towards the viewer. The figure is dressed like a western hero - in a hat, vest and long pants. Instead of a revolver, he holds a ballot in his hand. Above the figure is the distinctive red logo of “Solidarity,” and below it is the inscription: “At high noon, June 4, 1989.” The whole is kept in black and white colors with the red logo of “Solidarity” .

Detailed description: The dominant element is the large “Solidarity” logo, which towers over the rest of the composition. The logo consists of the word “Solidarity”. The letters are thick, rounded and have an intense red color. A small red and white flag of Poland emerges from the letter “N” from the lower leg of the letter. The branch of the letter acts as a handle on which the flag's canvas is placed. In the central part of the poster is a black and white figure of a man walking towards the viewer. From the top of his head to the middle of his chest he overlaps the Solidarity logo, covering the letter “a” with his body. He is dressed in cowboy garb - a hat, white shirt, vest and long pants. Instead of a revolver, he holds a ballot in his hand. Pinned to his clothing is a red badge with the Solidarity logo. Below the figure is the inscription “At high noon, June 4, 1989.” The background of the poster is white.

Tomasz Sarnecki's poster “At High Noon” was created in 1989 as part of the election campaign of the Solidarity Civic Committee before the first partially free parliamentary elections in Poland. Its symbolism refers to the famous frame from the 1952 film High Noon, starring Gary Cooper. In that film, a lone sheriff stands up to fight for justice. In the context of the Polish elections, the man on the poster symbolizes every citizen who took part in the vote, opposing the communist regime. The poster gained enormous popularity, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of the Solidarity campaign. The caption “At High Noon” refers both to the title of the western and to the specific date of the first partially free elections in Poland. The pop culture reference and simple, clear form made the image appeal to a wide audience. Its message - about courage, responsibility and the strength of the individual - proved to be universal.

The poster's historical significance lies in its role in mobilizing the public to participate in the elections that ushered in the collapse of communism in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. Today Sarnecki's poster is not only an icon of those events, but also a testament to the power of symbols in the struggle for democracy and freedom.

Audiodescription text: Emilia Szymańska

Audiodescription consultation: Adrian Wyka