Belarusian Art Across Borders & Boundaries

The exhibition is held within the framework of the research project “A Land on the Move: Transnational Perspectives on Belarusian History and Culture”/ EU4BELARUS – SALT II

Project lead: Tatsiana Astrouskaya

Plakate von Vladimir Tsesler, Foto: Herder-Institut

The broad Belarusian protest against the falsified presidential elections in 2020 became a unique (trans)national experience of civic unity – a stand against the lies and violence of the authoritarian regime. For several months, Belarusians rose to the peak of the struggle for universal values – human rights, freedom of expression, and the freedom to determine their own destiny. Community self-organization, the building of horizontal networks and initiatives, the effective use of modern technologies and media, as well as creativity, nonviolence, and mass participation – these are the defining features of the Belarusian Revolution 2020 that distinguish it from similar events worldwide.

The year 2020, when Belarusians stood up against authoritarianism is exceptionally significant not only for the country's history but also for the history of Belarusian art. Artistic works became important instruments and markers of social change, and their creators – cultural workers – played an active role in the revolutionary movement.

In the aftermath of the 2020 revolution – years marked by mass emigration and the fragmentation of the country’s active civil society, by the state’s destruction of Belarusian autonomy and culture, by increasing repression, and by the regime’s complicity in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine – the year 2020 remains an optimistic and inspiring point of Belarusian dignity that still offers hope for a better future.

This is precisely why it is important to preserve the memory and public presence of the events of 2020. The exhibition brings them into focus through the artistic lens of relevant visual expressions. 

SERGEY (SIARHEI) GRINEVICH
Born in 1960 in the Grodno region, Belarus
One of the most internationally renowned Belarusian artists. A large-scale painter and a graduate of the Monumental Painting Department of the Belarusian Academy of Arts (1983). Based in Grodno, he actively participated in both local (until 2020) and international exhibitions and plein-air events. He actively colla borates with European galleries. Grinevich supported the people‘s protest against the falsifi ed elections and state violence. As a result, he was expelled from the Belarusian Union of Artists and deprived of the opportunity to exhibit in Belarus.
 

VLADIMIR TSESLER
Born in Minsk in 1951
A living legend of Belarusian poster art. Winner of numerous international competitions, often in collaboration with Sergey Voichenko (1955–2004). On August 22, 2020, he was forced to leave the country. Currently living in Cyprus, Tsesler continues to respond to current events in Belarus through vivid and ironic poster art shared on social media.