The official 2021 Adelaide Fringe Poster, embracing the vibrancy, colour and fun of the festival, has been unveiled today, kicking off the start of celebrations for the season.

Designed by Adelaide-based freelance digital illustrator Polina Tsymbal, the winning poster titled Frederique Fringe, features Frederique on a penny-farthing, which the artist says encapsulates the joyfully bold spirit of the Adelaide Fringe.

“Adelaide Fringe is really the essence of having the freedom of who you want to be and how you want to do it and they encapsulate just that,” Polina said of her character, Frederique.

“I wanted to create an image that tells people where society encourages us to blend in, the Fringe urges you to let down your hair and be your remarkable, extraordinary self,” she said.

Polina wins $3,000 and free event registration to present her own exhibition as part of the Adelaide Fringe 2021.

In keeping with Adelaide Fringe’s open access nature, there is a long history of the official poster being chosen from a design competition that anyone from around the world can enter.

Past entrants of the iconic poster competition include Driller Jet Armstrong, Sue Ninham, Michael Atchison, Pro Hart, Jonathon Oxlade, Jennifer Rimbault, Bronwyn Platten, Matthew Clarke and Dave Court.

Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall said the judging panel was overwhelmed by the incredible designs submitted by over 350 Australian and international artists.

“Polina’s design stood out to us because it reflects the bold, playfulness of the Fringe and encapsulates the celebration of creative expression, the Fringe offers artists, venues and the people of South Australia,” Ms Croall said.

“Fringe is going to look a little different next year but we are excited to see the creativity and innovation from all of our artists and venues bringing an incredible 31 days for South Australians to enjoy. I can’t wait to see Frederique Fringe roll out across the city and thanks to Polina for such a colourful and striking poster.”

Polina’s artwork will be across Adelaide Fringe 2021 merchandise, which can be pre-ordered now via the Adelaide Fringe website.

Vouchers, membership and merchandise are available at adelaidefringe.com.au/shop

The Adelaide Fringe 2021 Poster Competition is proudly supported by Principal Partner, BankSA. Fringe is also proud to be partnering with Jarvis Subaru, which has provided the 2021 poster-branded car.

The 2021 Adelaide Fringe will run from 19 February until 21 March.

 

Polina Tsymbal, 30, moved to Australia from Russia in 2015 as an international student.

Originally encouraged to enter the poster competition by an art teacher a couple of years ago, it was only this year the freelance digital illustrator took the opportunity to enter.

“I’m really excited because for me it’s a big deal (winning the competition),” she said.

“For me, I came to Australia in 2015 as an international student, it was the start of February, the Fringe season was on and I was excited about the atmosphere, the shows, the people enjoying themselves.”

Polina said due to working at home throughout COVID-19, she was able to study and meet the brief of the competition.

“I had time to make my research and to read through the brief. You had to look at it (the brief) from two perspectives – the creative contribution (the artistic side) but also the functional side (because it was going to be used in different sizes). They were asking to make your design functional as well.”

She explained that by using simple shapes and colour, she was able to show the atmosphere of Fringe and what the Fringe meant to her.

“The city comes alive. It’s the celebration of arts and expressing yourself in any way possible – performing arts, visual arts, food stalls, local businesses doing their best – it’s the whole atmosphere.”