A notable figure in Polish culture for over five decades, Mleczko made his debut as a cartoonist before graduating in Architecture in 1974. While his drawing style has evolved significantly over time, his trademark irreverent humor has remained a constant feature of Mleczko's work.
Dedicated to his craft, Mleczko spends at least eight hours daily at his drawing table, attributing his work ethic to his Capricorn nature. His prolific output includes over 40,000 drawings and illustrations featured in dozens of publications and over 50 books. Mleczko's work has been displayed in hundreds of individual exhibitions, both in Poland and internationally.
In 1982, during the martial law in Poland, Mleczko founded his own gallery in Kraków, despite the oppressive political climate.
He humorously recalls various challenges faced by the gallery, including a break-in in 1986 where thieves stole a radio and alarm clock but left his drawings untouched – a fact which caused him some temporary distress. The gallery faced a financial crisis in 1995, but Mleczko decided to continue its operation, recognizing that financial struggles were common in Polish business. He recalls the tribulations with customary wry humor: "I'd made the manly decision to close, but then I heard that it was quite normal in this country to keep funding one's business. So I made the manly decision to continue."
Mleczko's gallery, still operational at its original location, opened a branch in Warsaw in 2002, though it had to close in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
His work's increasing popularity led him to launch an online store in 2012, allowing global access to his creations, though leaving him somewhat bemused at how merchandise bearing his drawings could be purchased by literally anyone, anywhere. "In my mind's eye, I could see an Eskimo drinking from my cup or a Papuan proudly displaying my T-shirt."
Renowned for being a smiling figure in most of his press appearances, Mleczko attributes his outward cheerful nature to a happy childhood, though wonders if that might not be a way to mask a deep pessimistic streak, a common trait among satirists.
In June 2021, Mleczko was honored with the title of Honorary Citizen of Krakow. Rafał Komarewicz, chairman of the Krakow City Council, praised Mleczko for his satirical portrayal of the world, while Mayor Jacek Majchrowski lauded his ability to critically reflect on national flaws: "Andrzej Mleczko's works painfully struck at national vices with unprecedented strength and accuracy, almost murderously so. Although he himself claimed years ago that he had trouble drawing three things precisely: a car, a bicycle, and Polish complexes, readers have no doubt that he has acquired a rare ability to identify those areas that hurt every Pole the most."
AS for his 75th birthday, the cartoonist had this to say:"More and more often, people visiting my gallery discreetly ask the staff: 'Is Mr. Mleczko still alive?'"
(rt)
Source: warszawa.twoje-miasto.pl