Przejscie (Anonymous Pedestrians), Wroclaw

Anonymous Pedestrians is powerful public sculpture that captures the dark era of martial law in Communist Poland. This haunting artwork, known as Przejście (which translates to “Passage” or “Transition”), features 14 lifelike figures appearing to sink into the ground on one side of Swidnicka Street, only to emerge on the opposite side. The sculpture is commonly interpreted as a tribute to those who were killed or went missing during the martial law period in the 1980s.

Created by artist Jerzy Kalina, the installation includes seven figures on each side of the street, descending and re-ascending into the sidewalk. The bronze monument was unveiled in December 2005 to mark the 24th anniversary of the beginning of martial law. During this time, the authoritarian government enforced harsh restrictions to suppress growing anti-Communist opposition, driving many citizens into hiding. The figures rising from the sidewalk symbolize the return of the Polish people after the end of martial law in 1983.