Maluch and Dwarfs

In the 1980s, characteristic dwarfs appeared on the walls of buildings in Wrocław. They were the work of the Orange Alternative – probably the most unusual opposition movement in the history of communist Poland. Apart from graffiti, the main form of activity of the Orange Alternative led by Waldemar ‘Major’ Fydrych were happenings in the streets of Wrocław, full of surreal humour, ridiculing the system and its foundations. The ubiquitous Maluch cars were immortalised in numerous photographs of these events.

Photo 1.

Happening of the Orange Alternative: ‘Workers’ Carnival’, Market Square, 16 February 1988

Photo by Mieczysław Michalak (collections of the Ossolineum Library / Documents of Social Life Department)

Photo 2.

Happening of the Orange Alternative: ‘Melon in mayonnaise’, Świdnicka Street, 12 October 1987

Photo by N.N. (collections of the Ossolineum Library / Documents of Social Life Department)

Photo 3.

Happening of the Orange Alternative: ‘Small is Beautiful’, Świdnicka Street, 1 June 1988

Photo by Mieczysław Michalak (collections of the Ossolineum Library / Documents of Social Life Department)