Jan Himilsbach
The text reads 'I'm introducing a fairy-tale mood into my body'. The much loved Polish actor, sculptor and writer brought a vivid flash of colour to an otherwise unbearably grey communist land. It has been said of him that he made Poland the only happy barracks in the whole Soviet labour camp. Na zdrowie, Jan!
Ball pen on paper.
Image size: 19 x 27.5
Wujcio Dobra Rada
This translates as 'Uncle Knows Best'. Those of us who remember another authoritarian Maggie Thatcher, remember a similar phrase but with Auntie substituted. Perhaps that fits in this case too.
Ball pen, digital colour overlay on paper.
Image size: 18.5 x 28
Lech Walesa 1
Translation: 'I don't want to but I have to'. One of several portraits I've done of Lech Walesa, patriot and revolutionary.
Ball pen on paper.
Image size: 18.5 x 28
Lech Walesa 4
Unfortunately I can't get anywhere near translating this crazy piece of sexual innuendo and grammatical error.
Ball pen on paper.
Image size: 18.5 x 28
Erich Honecker
Not surprisingly, the world has forgotten him, except of course those who suffered under him. The leader of the DDR from 1971 to 1989, he ruled without the slightest hint of charisma and his public speaking was described as awkward and wooden, delivered with an 'almost sinister, unstudied immovability'.
Ball pen on paper, digital colour overlay.
Image size: 17 x 27
Napoleon K
A bust of Our Dear Leader, suitably dressed as Buonaparte.
Ball pen on paper, digital colour overlay.
Image size: 17 x 27
Emperor
Mr.Kaczynski, de facto ruler of Poland, in ceremonial posture. - 'See, the conquering hero comes!'
Ball pen on paper, digital colour overlay.
Image size: 18 x 28
Jaruzelski
Declared martial law in Poland, December 13 1981, in an attempt to crush political opposition. It didn't work and he's dead and forgotten.
Ball pen on paper.
Image size: 18.5 x 27