Adelaide Fringe 2021 poster competition winner revealed
What has a penny-farthing bicycle, a handlebar moustache and pink high-heeled boots? The star of the 2021 Adelaide Fringe poster, that’s who – and you can see it for the first time here.
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Meet Frederique Fringe, the penny-farthing pedalling character who will embody all the fun of the festival on next year’s Adelaide Fringe poster.
The winning design was created by Russian-born Adelaide freelance digital illustrator Polina Tsymbal, who says she set out to encapsulate the “joyfully bold spirit” of the Fringe.
“Adelaide Fringe is really the essence of having the freedom of who you want to be and how you want to do it,” Ms Tsymbal said.
“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.”
Ms Tsymbal, 30, moved to Australia from Russia 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,” she said.
“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.”
As winner of the poster competition, Ms Tsymbal will receive $3000 and free event registration to present her own Fringe exhibition.
Fringe director Heather Croall said the judging panel was overwhelmed by the entries submitted from more than 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,” 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.”
The Frederique character will also feature on merchandise for next year’s Fringe, which runs from February 19 to March 21.