The First Mini-Skirts in Vilnius, Lithuania, 1965

This is a legendary shot by Marius Baranauskas, who was a master of capturing the “Thaw” era in Lithuania. It’s a perfect intersection of fashion history and political subtext.

In 1965, the mini-skirt was more than just a trend; it was a quiet rebellion. While Mary Quant was revolutionizing London’s West End, seeing these hemlines in Vilnius was a sign of the “Western infection” that Soviet authorities both feared and eventually had to tolerate.

Baranauskas was known for his candid, humanistic style. He didn’t just photograph the clothes; he captured the reactions. Often in his photos from this series, you can see the visible contrast between the confident youth and the bewildered or disapproving stares of the older generation.

1965 was the tipping point for the mini. It had transitioned from a niche “space age” look to a global phenomenon, proving that even the Iron Curtain couldn't stop a silhouette whose time had come. During this period, the Baltic states were often considered the “West of the East.” Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn were the fashion hubs of the USSR, often being the first to interpret and adapt European trends through local fashion houses.

The Baltic Way, One of the Earliest and Longest Unbroken Human Chains in History

At 7:00 PM on August 23 1989, approximately two million people from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined hands, forming a human chain from Tallinn through Riga to Vilnius, spanning 675 kilometers, or 420 miles. It was a peaceful protest against the illegal Soviet occupation and also one of the earliest and longest unbroken human chains in history.

The Baltic Way, also known as the Baltic Chain, was organised in order to draw the world’s attention to the existence of Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact – a treaty signed 50 years prior, on August 23, 1939, between the foreign ministers of the Soviet Union and Germany – Vyacheslav Molotov and Joachim von Ribbentrop.

In the secret protocols that accompanied the treaty of non-aggression, the two totalitarian powers divided Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania – in violation of international law – into respective spheres of influence, which led to Nazi Germany to start the Second World War on September 1, 1939 with its attack on Poland. The Soviet Union invaded Estonia and Latvia on June 16, 1940. 

The Baltic Way was organized over six weeks by the popular front parties from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – the first non-communist political movements since the annexation of the three states by the Soviet Union. The organizers mapped out the chain, designating specific locations to specific cities, towns and villages to make sure that the chain would be unbroken.

In 1989, there were no mobile phones in the Baltic states – walkie-talkies were used instead by the organizers. The exact timing of the demonstration was coordinated by special radio broadcasts, and participants carried with them portable radios to be kept in the loop and listen speeches by popular front activists and politicians.

No one knew if it would succeed. But at 7 PM, for 15 minutes, two million people held hands in a human chain from the foot of Toompea in Tallinn to the foot of the Gediminas Tower in Vilnius, crossing Riga and the River Daugava on its way.

A statement from the Central Committee of the Communist Party, issued on August 26, 1989 in Moscow, read, “Matters have gone far. There is a serious threat to the fate of the Baltic peoples. People should know the abyss into which they are being pushed by their nationalistic leaders. Should they achieve their goals, the possible consequences could be catastrophic to these nations. A question could arise as to their very existence.”

The pro-independence activists and the public in the Baltic states were concerned – could Moscow intervene militarily to crush the national movements, just as the Soviet Union had done in Hungary in 1956 and in Czechoslovakia in 1968?

On August 31, the Baltic activists issued a joint declaration to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, claiming to be under threat of aggression and asked for an international commission to be sent to monitor the situation. The US President, George H. W. Bush, and the Chancellor of West Germany, Helmut Kohl, urged the Soviet Union to show restraint, urging peaceful reforms.

Faced with an international embarrassment, after four years of so-called perestroika, the Soviet authorities eventually toned down their rhetoric and failed to follow up on any of their threats. Furthermore, the Soviet Union finally acknowledged the existence of the secret protocols and on December 24, 1989, the Congress of People’s Deputies of the Soviet Union declared the secret protocols to the pact to be null and void and without legal basis.

In the years since the Baltic Way took place, it has become an example of how peaceful protest can create change. The human chain helped publicize the Baltic cause around the world and symbolized solidarity among Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The positive image of the non-violent Singing Revolution spread among the Western media. 

The national movements used the increased exposure to position the debate over Baltic independence as a moral and not just political question: reclaiming independence would be restoration of historical justice and liquidation of Stalinism. The pro-independence movements, established in 1988, became more assertive and radical: they shifted from demanding greater freedom from Moscow to full independence – finally achieved on August 20, 1991.

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Vilnius in the Early 1990s Through Fascinating Black and White Photos

Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania. The city is situated in southeastern Lithuania and is currently the largest city in the Baltic states. It is the seat of Lithuania’s national government and the Vilnius District Municipality.

Vilnius is known, among other things, for the architecture of its Old Town, one of the largest and best preserved old towns in northern, eastern, and central Europe, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Architectural style Vilnian Baroque is named after the city, which is the largest Baroque city north of the Alps, and the farthest one to the east.

The city was noted for its multicultural population already in the time of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, with contemporary sources comparing it to Babylon. Before World War II and the Holocaust, Vilnius was one of the most important Jewish centres in Europe. Its Jewish influence has led to its nickname “the Jerusalem of Lithuania”. Napoleon called it “the Jerusalem of the North” as he was passing through in 1812.

In 2009, Vilnius was the European Capital of Culture, together with Linz, Austria. Furthermore, in 2021, Vilnius was named as one of the 25 of fDi’s Global Cities of the Future. These fascinating photos were taken by Levas Žiriakovas that show street scenes of Vilnius in the early 1990s.

Gedimino Avenue, Vilnius, circa early 1990s

Cabbage, Vilnius, circa early 1990s

Church of St. Archangel Raphael, Vilnius, circa early 1990s

In the rain, Vilnius, circa early 1990s

Žygimantų gatvė, Vilnius, circa early 1990s

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22 Black and White Pics Captured Street Scenes of Vilnius, Lithuania in the Early 1990s

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and its largest city. It is in the southeast part of Lithuania and is the second largest city in the Baltic states. Vilnius is the seat of the main government institutions of Lithuania and the Vilnius District Municipality.

Vilnius in the early 1990s

Before World War II, Vilnius was one of the largest Jewish centres in Europe. It is classified as a Gamma global city according to GaWC studies, and is known for the architecture in its Old Town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

These fascinating black and white photos were taken by Levas Žiriakovas that show street scenes of Vilnius in the early 1990s.

Cabbage, Vilnius, circa early 1990s

Church of St. Archangel Raphael, Vilnius, circa early 1990s

In the rain, Vilnius, circa early 1990s

Žygimantų street, Vilnius, circa early 1990s

Gedimino Avenue, Vilnius, 1993

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What Was It Like to Be an Artist in USSR

A guest blog post by Goda Smilingyte from Art Goda

The powerful and secluded empire of the Soviet Union is already a history. The communist state that held 15 countries under totalitarian regime controlled every aspect of it’s citizens life. But communists and their spy agency KGB were not able to destroy creativity of the artists, so they used their talents for the purposes of propaganda and brain washing. Not everyone obeyed the regime and my father, painter and sculptor Aloyzas Smilingis-Elis was one of those who stood against the system. Here are a few interesting facts from his biography that shaped his creative path while Lithuania was under occupation of the Soviets.

Aloyzas Smilingis-Elis at his studio in Uzupis (Vilnius), 1975.

Want a Good Life? Portray the Communist Leaders

This was the simple rule for the artists. Making sculptures of Lenin, painting the “noble” life of leaders, socialist icons, happy workers and heroic soldiers guaranteed profitable commissions, good studios, necessary materials and tools. Those, who did not want to serve the system had to make their own way in life. My father never created a single piece that would serve communist ideals and is proud about it today: “I have never made a Lenin in my life!”, he says. So he did not get anything from the authorities. Most artists were dependent on state commissions and had to serve the system, so they could earn money. But my father refused to play a part in the occupants theatre. He was what we call a freelancer these days.

Most artist's grew beards as a sign of resistance. Riding a motorcycle was an expression of freedom.

There was no way to get good quality equipment for stone carving and all granite sculptures were handmade using simple tools and a self made hammer. The artists used to make those tools themselves, quite often from spare parts of tractors.


Studio in an Abandoned Chapel

Creator of bronze and large monumental stone sculptures is definitely not able to work without a studio, but a creative mind always finds a way out. Elis heard about abandoned chapel in Didziokai village (Moletai region) and thought that he could live and work there. Religion was forbidden, so a lot of beautiful churches and chapels were tuned into warehouses or abandoned and left to ruin.

My Dad renovated the nineteenth century chapel, cleaned it’s surroundings and decorated it with large monumental sculptures. This place became his studio, his gallery and the place where our family would spend summers and weekends.

XIX chapel became artist’s studio, he renovated it with his own hands.

Soon the chapel became a very popular attraction. I remember people visiting it everyday, even busses full of tourists came to take a look around. People came for art and wanted to meet the artist as the rumours about him spread wide and fast. The chapel was an oasis for creative minds, bohemian parties, a meeting place for artists and also a pain in the lower part of the body for the communist authorities.


Making Money and Dealing With KGB

As my father did not get much state commissions, the major income source of our family was from large memorial sculptures. These were commissions from people who wanted to have nice monuments for their loved ones who passed away. It was a seasonal work as my father could only work outside when the weather was warm and dry — spring and summer. Winters were dedicated to painting and skiing. Our neighbour, related to KGB as it appeared later, could not understand this. Nobody in the family had a decent job, we were skiing the whole winter, but somehow lived in a nice place and even had a car!

Our family was not rich, but home full of art looked luxurious. We had old antique furniture, because we were not able to buy new stuff for home as my parents did not have “normal” jobs.

Besides, we had family connections in USA and all this was very suspicious. One day my father got arrested without any reason and was questioned at KGB. The main question during the interrogation was “Whom are you working for?”. Luckily my father was a member of the Artists Union, had some recognition and references, so they let him go.


Scandal Over a Nude Torso

Private property and religion were not the only things with zero tolerance in the Soviet Union. Any kind of nudity, even if it was art, was not accepted. People even joked that sex did not exist in Soviet times. But sometimes, somehow, artists would meet people in the government who had common sense and gave them a chance to create amazing artworks.

Granite torso of a “Bather” caused a scandal and vandalism attacks in 1984.

This was the case with a 2,7 m granite torso of a “Bather” that my father created for Panevezys city. It was built near the river in 1984 and nicely decorated a cosy park. This is one of the few scandals my father got into, but I think probably the most famous one. Local press called the sculpture vulgar and indecent, people were furious and there was a number of vandalism attacks over the artwork. But the sculpture survived it all and continues to bathe peacefully in the park.


Meeting With the “Enemy” — the USA

After establishing a long lost connection with members of our family residing in USA, my father decided to visit them. The procedure of getting permits to leave the Soviet Union in the times of Cold War was quite complicated, but the interesting part is not about getting a visa and permission to leave. Now it sounds funny, but my Dad received strict instructions from a KGB agent how to behave in the land of “enemies”. Everything happened like in the film about spies. He had to meet the agent privately and they spoke in a car. Elis was told not to talk much about USSR, he could only say positive things about the Soviets and most importantly, was not allowed to talk to the press.

First thing he did in USA? Gave numerous interviews for television and newspapers. The media was really interested to talk to an artist from a Soviet Union. I guess if an artist from North Korea visited the Western world today, the interest would be quite similar. The funny thing is that Soviets never found out about these interviews, because it was not possible to monitor the media at the time.


Wine With Willem De Kooning During the Cold War

The artist’s visit to USA was full on coincidences, discoveries and tension. Visiting museums and galleries in New York had a huge influence towards his attitude to art. But most influential of all were my fathers meetings with famous abstract expressionist Willem de Kooning.

Aloyzas Smilingis-Elis and Willem de Kooning.

He was visiting his cousin Dorothy Barnes and her husband Clarence Barnes in Long Island and the stay took longer than initially planned. During the Cold War both USA and USSR fiercely protected their airspaces and number of incidents with planes being shot down happened. My father was visiting USA when one of such incidents took place, suddenly all flights connecting USA and USSR were canceled and he could not get home. He was stuck in East Hampton for about three months, but this unpleasant situation led to inspiring and interesting meetings with Willem De Kooning who had a studio nearby. My Father often visited his studio and they discussed art over the glass of wine. These meetings were a source of inspiration and after coming back from USA, my father never painted a realistic painting again. Abstract expressionism remains his major passion until today.


Breaking the Boundaries - Guernsey’s Auction of Soviet Art

The first time my fathers art was exhibited in the West was after meeting with Mr Arlan Ettinger, the president of Guernsey’s auction who was travelling around USSR and selecting artworks for the first auction of Soviet art to be held in New York. Mr Ettinger was really fond of my father’s work, so he brought 9 of his sculptures to USA and selected one of them on the cover of the auction catalogue.

Guernsey's auction catalogue, 1988.

The photograph of the same sculpture now illustrates the development of the auction on it’s website, next to Willem de Kooning’s painting. It is unbelievable that the auction of Soviet art could take place in New York in 1988 and one can only imagine the challenges that auction organisers had to face. It was a real breakthrough and that is how my father’s works landed in the homes of USA collectors for the first time.

So being an artist in USSR was not easy, but no regime could bend down the creative spirit. Number of artists have made their way without serving the regime, many had to choose emigration in order to protect their families and those who stayed were always at risk and under strict surveillance.

Aloyzas Smilingis-Elis still resides and creates art in Lithuania at his private house where he has a studio now. He is represented by Art Goda online art boutique in Switzerland.

50 Amazing Black and White Photographs That Capture Everyday Life in Soviet Lithuania During the 1960s and 1970s

Those who are under thirty today in the countries of the former Soviet Union can barely remember what it felt like to live there. They never knew it. Many of those over thirty have also chosen to forget. They might remember familiar details, but their more recent experience has obliterated the feelings that went with them. Antanas Sutkus’s photographs, taken during the 1960s and 1970s to document the changing life and people of Lithuania, bring it all flooding back.

Working at the time when Lithuania (as the Lithuanian SSR) was part of the Soviet Union, Sutkus focused on black and white portraits of ordinary people in their everyday life rather than the model citizens and workers promoted by Soviet propaganda. He often photographed children and young people, and is best know for his life-long survey.

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31 Rare and Breathtaking Black and White Photos Document the Changing Life and People of Lithuania From the 1960s and 1970s

Antanas Sutkus is a Lithuanian photographer. He studied journalism in Vilnius, where he settled himself as a freelance journalist at the end of the 1960s. In 1969, he established together with other Lithuanian photographers the 'Lithuanian Association for Photography', and he served as its president for many years.

In Soviet times, pictures of poor, sick, lonely people were not allowed in pubic. Many of his photographs had to remain unpublished. Sutkus has stopped taking photographs, but he now publishes pictures from his archive from time to time. Check out these stunning black-and-white photographs are from the 1960s and 70s...

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18 Wonderful Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Lithuania in 1970

Lithuania is a country in the Baltic region of Europe. Lithuania is one of the Baltic states. The country is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, to the east of Sweden and Denmark. It is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Kaliningrad Oblast (a Russian exclave) to the southwest. Lithuania has an estimated population of 2.8 million people as of 2019, and its capital and largest city is Vilnius. Other major cities are Kaunas and Klaipėda. Lithuanians are Baltic people. The official language, Lithuanian, is one of only two living languages in the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family, the other being Latvian.

For centuries, the southeastern shores of the Baltic Sea were inhabited by various Baltic tribes. In the 1230s, the Lithuanian lands were united by Mindaugas and the Kingdom of Lithuania was created on July 6, 1253. During the 14th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was the largest country in Europe; present-day Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and parts of Poland and Russia were the territories of the Grand Duchy. With the Lublin Union of 1569, Lithuania and Poland formed a voluntary two-state personal union, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Commonwealth lasted more than two centuries, until neighboring countries systematically dismantled it from 1772 to 1795, with the Russian Empire annexing most of Lithuania's territory.

As World War I neared its end, Lithuania’s Act of Independence was signed on February 16, 1918, declaring the founding of the modern Republic of Lithuania. In the midst of the Second World War, Lithuania was first occupied by the Soviet Union and then by Nazi Germany. As World War II neared its end and the Germans retreated, the Soviet Union reoccupied Lithuania. On March 11, 1990, a year before the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union, Lithuania became the first Baltic state to declare itself independent, resulting in the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania.

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