Year 1988

Freedom prevails

In 1988 the most important centers of town are innundated with street art that parodies the new political options.  These are also interesting actions from the perspective of aesthetics.  Authorities attempt to intervene these activities and in the framework of repression, Major is arrested.  He is imprisoned and charged with the unlawful distribution of sanitary hygiene products for women under conditions of scarcity.  This occurs on the very day celebrated by the authorities as Women's Day.  In opposition to his arrest, street protests as well as petitions by well-known intellectuals and artists such as Andrzej Wajda take place.  After three weeks, Major is released from jail.

The battle and the realities surrounding it mobilize active groups located in Warsaw and Łódź, who infuse interesting concepts into the resistance movement.  On June 1st (Children's Day) in Łódź three persons climbing onto the roof of a news stand thus mobilize and paralyze serveral units of the civil militia.  In Warsaw, a few thousand elves hit thet streets on the same day. In Wroclaw ten thousand elves march in the center of town to the greatest amazement of military authorities, media, and curious resident observers.

But the greatest surprise of all come in an action called "Brotherly aid always alive" - an organized field excursion to the Sudety Mountains on the 20th anniversary of the Warsaw Pact's invasion of this country in 1968.  Leaflets suggest that participants intend to cross the restricted border in a mock "invasion". This prospect results in military intervention on its both sides.

Summertime also brings waves of strikes in the coal mines and other industrial centers. Generał Jaruzelski is forced to engage the opposition in discussion.

In Łódź, Krzysztof Skiba focuses attention on the economic situation and through a happening mocks hyperinflation stifling the country.  On November 7th (the anniversary of the October Revolution in the USSR), an action is organized entitled, „How to halt galloping inflation”is organized. A dozen of persons don signs reading "inflation" and gallop down the main street of the city. Of course they are quickly arrested by the authorities.  When the news of the event is circulated throughout Poland, the entire nation has a good laugh that the civil militia managed to halt inflation.

Meanwhile, in Warsaw another very active group centers around a young student, Wojciech Sobolewski. One of its actions called „Huge Feast”, which takes place on November 21st, ends in a rather absurd situation. Authorities arrest customers frequenting a nearby eatery for consuming french fries.

These are just a few of many happenings held throughout Poland during the year. An action follows an action, absurdity follows absurdity. The year 1988 is the year of freedom, brought on by strikes, but nurtured by streets.

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