21. “Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance.”
Published on HivePostify by @grindle · Sat Jul 25 2026
Welcome to the Republic of Užupis, a self-proclaimed, bohemian "republic" within Vilnius. What started on April Fool's day in 1997 by a group of artists as an elaborate joke, is still on going nearly 30 years later.
The Constitution of the Republic, which has 39 articles, is displayed in 20 languages on brass plaques on a Wall in the town
Near to the plaques is the official flag of Uzupis, a hand with a hole in the centre; symbolising that the community do not accept bribes. The hand on the flag changes with the seasons, green (Spring), yellow (Summer), red (Autumn) and blue (Winter).
During Soviet times this area was a run down dangerous place on the edge of an industrial complex, a lot of derelict run down buildings it was the home of the wayward, the prostitute and the squatter
Sadly, despite having its own "government", the Republic is not officially recognised by any state.
Though you can visit border control and get ones passport stamped
In size it is quite a small area, of just under 150 acres, it has a population of about 7,000 inhabitants, of which nearly 1,000 are artists, I guess that is why throughout there are odd bits of street art and sculpture to enjoy and love.
From Political scrawlings
To crafted bronze sculptures, this place has everything
On April 1 2002, (they seem to like that date)an auspicious day, the unveiling, in the main square of a statue of an angel blowing a horn. It became a symbol of the revival of the area; funded by selling miniature copies of the sculpture.
Called, Vivulskis'Overcoat, this is a bronze sculpture on the wall of a house, where it is said "On the cold winter's night of January 3rd, 1919, as the Red Army was approaching, Antanas Vivulskis was on guard by this house as a volunteer in a Vilnius defence unit. Like St Martin, he gave his overcoat to another soldier who was suffering from the cold, fell seriously ill, and died several days later of acute pneumonia".
Loving the real hair that has been applied, strange though that it is all in english
The Užupis Mermaid, sculpted in 2002 nestles in her own niche on the bank of the Vilnelė River
The Užupis Bridge, connects Užupis with Vilnius Old Town. The current bridge was reconstructed in 1955
...and without getting wet I really haven't a clue how to get swinging
https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/grindle/23swXqJXt8Mc6TXJwmnAwmv4oMxoBwAjmvRLoXcDDUHEhxE4HEypbBti31EAuDAcFEBWt.png
Užupis Meno Incubatorius, houses as many as 30 local and international artists utilising residency and workshop spaces,
It also has the best street art and ornamentation in the Republic.
How very true
Selfie time!
Hello Lovely
"Goddess Continent", created in 2000
Burd Goddess, the same year the same artist. Never mind the boobies, can you spot the hidden face
The "Wall of Curses"
Created on Užupis Culture Day in 2019, a collaboration with local residents and local artists
It is so called as it features the most amazing Lithuanian swear such as "Go kick the clouds, kick the worm's armpit, and not a fuckitty fuck fuck in sight.
A piss take of google chrome by Plan B titled "No meaning of life" ERR LIFE DISCONNECTED.
2018, "Fragments and Portraits", part of a project called the 9 doors
"Burned Out," a memory to those in a hurry, slow down or you will be burnt-out.
"Welcome" 2007
2013, "Domestic Situation"
and some random stuff
and why not indeed.
https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/grindle/23swXqJXt8Mc6TXJwmnAwmv4oMxoBwAjmvRLoXcDDUHEhxE4HEypbBti31EAuDAcFEBWt.png
https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/grindle/23swXqJXt8Mc6TXJwmnAwmv4oMxoBwAjmvRLoXcDDUHEhxE4HEypbBti31EAuDAcFEBWt.png
[//]:([//]:(!worldmappin 54.68100 lat 25.29467 long d3scr))
Tags: #photographylovers#streetart#curangel#creativecoin#proofofbrain#pimp#qurator#neoxian#travelfeed#waiv