Widziadlo | The Phantom | Maria Mucha Ihnatowicz

The Phantom (or “Widziadlo”) is a 1984 Polish erotic horror film, directed by Marek Nowicki, set in the early years of the century. It is a story of a country gentleman haunted by the memory of his first wife. His current wife has had enough of his obsession and has taken a lover, who is mysteriously paralyzed. Meanwhile, the main character’s son gets his first taste of sensual experience with a mute peasant girl. The poster artist Maria (Mucha) Ihnatowicz was born in 1937 and studied under the master of the Polish School of Posters Prof. Henryk Tomaszewski at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, graduating in1963. She was a key member of the Polish School of Posters during the 1960s and 1970s. Mucha developed a joyful, painterly style all of her own; full of color and beauty. She produced dozens of posters over the next two decades and numerous book covers for the iconic KIK series. She was responsible for the visual side of The Interesting Book Club series from the mid-1960s to the 1990s. Her works are characterized by a spare and concise form. They are often colored with ironic tones as well as innovative, hand-made lettering. Her covers of literary works successfully reflected the character and tone of the text. Her art is characterized by intense suggestiveness, the use of flat spots, and strong color dissonances. Maria passed away in 2026.