Slovakia’s newly released passports, designed to evoke national pride, have unexpectedly triggered a public outcry after it was revealed that one of the key designs used in the document was created by a Polish artist. The ornament, which many believed was Slovak, was, in fact, the work of Agnieszka Murphy, raising questions about cultural authenticity.
The Slovak Ministry of Interior began issuing the new passports this week, touting the updated design as a symbol of “national pride” that reflects the deep connection between the Slovak people and their regions. The new documents were described as modern, secure, and visually striking by Slovakia’s Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, who promoted them as “a passport for the 21st century” during the launch event.
However, Slovak folklorists were quick to criticize one of the central elements of the design, a decorative motif used in the passport. A prominent Slovak folklore group, “Slovenský folklór bez fejku” (Slovak Folklore Without Fakes), took to social media to point out that the pattern, rather than being traditionally Slovak, was created by a Polish artist. According to the group, the motif bears no resemblance to the traditional Slovak “čičmiansky vzor,” a distinct folk pattern often associated with Slovakia’s cultural heritage.
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— Poland-24.com (@poland24com) September 25, 2024
The recent release of Slovakia's passports, intended to instill national pride, has inadvertently caused a public uproar. This occurred when it came to light that a principal design featured in the passport… pic.twitter.com/K7a0qMTwVe
Murphy’s artwork had been available on a stock image platform, which raised concerns about how the Slovak government came to use it. In an interview with the Slovak daily SME, Murphy admitted she was unaware that her graphic had been incorporated into the passport design. She acknowledged that she licenses her work through stock image services, meaning she does not always know who purchases or uses her creations.
“I’m glad the Slovak government used my design, but I wasn’t informed,” Murphy said. She also could not confirm whether the Slovak Interior Ministry or the passport’s production company had directly obtained a license for the image.
Despite the government’s intent to project national pride, experts argue that the choice of design undermines this effort. Zuzana Tajek Piešová, a Slovak folklorist quoted in SME, emphasized that the graphic is not an authentic Slovak ornament but an imitation inspired by traditional designs. Zora Puškáčová, an administrator of the Facebook page that first raised concerns, explained that the design reflects the Polish artist’s interpretation rather than the authentic Slovak folk pattern known for its use in architectural decorations.
To emphasize the distinction, Puškáčová shared side-by-side comparisons on social media, highlighting buildings adorned with the genuine “čičmiansky vzor” alongside Murphy’s interpretation. The images quickly gained traction, further fueling the debate.
As the controversy unfolds, the Slovak government has not yet commented on whether it plans to take corrective action or if it will continue using Murphy’s design in future passport issues.
This incident has ignited a broader conversation in Slovakia about the role of national symbols in government-issued documents. While the use of international design elements may be unintentional, critics argue it dilutes the cultural significance of what is meant to be a uniquely Slovak artifact.
Background
Slovakia’s new passport release coincides with efforts by many European countries to modernize their travel documents, incorporating enhanced security features alongside artistic elements to symbolize national identity. This passport redesign aimed to reflect Slovakia’s cultural heritage, but the use of an external design has raised questions about the authenticity of government efforts to uphold national symbolism.
