2024
author
Antoni Bęzel (PL)
title
Prayer and song book for the supporters of Arka Gdynia
degree
B.A. project
school
Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk
supervisor
dr Anita Wasik
The designer is fascinated by the phenomenon of football supporters’ groups – the aesthetics and hermetic nature of their culture. The idea for the project was born when he attended the games of the local football club, MZKS Arka Gdynia. He decided to create a somewhat abstract and ironic prayer and song book for the fans. He included chants that are typically performed at the stadium and accompanied them with edited religious texts, combining the sacred and the profane. The publication resembles a traditional prayer and song book, but it comes with crude, compact illustrations, which reflect common visual trends connected with football supporters and tone down the formal character of the compilation. The book might be of practical use at an actual football game but it can also serve as a collector’s item which allows the fans to approach the discipline in a sentimental manner and celebrate their favourite club.