1979-1983 (1-49/49)
The years 1979-1983 was the time of Zbigniew Libera's artistic and political maturing. He introduces new artistic media to his art – photography, installation, graphic design. In 1981 Libera stops his studies and begins his political engagement within Polish political opposition: he creates leaflets condeming the Wujek mine crime, collaborated with „Solidarność“ Union by printing their materials, he edits his own magazine called „Bibuła“.
During Young Artists Meeting in S gallery in Toruń and idea is coined – to found an artistic community, Culture of Gathering. In 1982 this group makes liaison with an independent Łódź Gallery Attic, which responded to young artists' needs, when during Martial Law they didn't want to present their work in official state-owned culture institutions. On June 8th 1982 the first Libera solo show is inaugurated. On June 26th he's arrested for his oppositional activity and put in Hrubieszów prison, with other political prisoners. During his time, Libera continues artistic activity: he creates ex-librises for his co-cellmates, and thanks to smuggled camera he manages to capture prison's everyday life. He befriends other opposition activists, such as Marek Łada or Jerzy Kropiwnicki. In 1983 by the force of amnesty he's released.
