Exhibition dedicated BNR 90th anniversary in Palace of Arts (Photo)

An exhibition by Ales Tsyrkunou “The Land Awakened by Heinal” opened in the Minsk Palace of Arts on 20 February. It was organised on the occasion of 60th birth of the artist and dedicated to two dates: 170th anniversary of Kastus Kalinouski’s birth and 90th anniversary of the Belarusian National Republic (BNR) proclamation.

About 100 works of the artist are shown at the exhibition. The exhibition is focused on historical and patriotic themes, though there are some works on motives of religion, ethnos, struggle against fascist and Bolshevist terror and genocide.

“Artist must awaken the people through his or her works,” A. Tsyrkunou said to BelaPAN. This thought explains the title of the exposition: “heinal” is an alarm signal, given from watchtower as a sign of deadly threat, citizens took arms after this signal. “Art is a means of attack, but not an aggressive one, it awakens a sleepy human soul and makes a person live and breathe fresh air,” the artist thinks.

A. Tsyrkunou pointed out the most significant, in his view, works. “In our Palesse forest” is among them. “Mighty oaks are like people. We have Sapeha, the Ahinskis and other giants of history, who scarified themselves, donate their means in order we feel ourselves dignified people. But now the oaks are cut, destroyed, estates are neglected...” the author tells about this painting. In his view, the theme of enlightenment is reflected best of all in the work “Frantsysk Skaryna”, while the theme of Bolshevist terror is revealed in “Kurapaty,” and theme of religion – in “Shroud.”

“Most of the selected for the exhibition works are painted in austere style, because our life and our existence are austere. But this severity has its humour,” the artist noted.

“The exhibition is notable, because the artist is interested in Belarusian history and destiny of his people. He performs his duty of being a witness of the current and historical events in Belarus,” Syarhei Kryshtapovich, director of the gallery of the Palace of Arts said.

The exhibition is open till 3 March.

"Shroud"

Ales Tsyrkunou

Vitaut the Great "Grunwald Campaign"

Triptych "Eternal Light of Belarus"

Andrei Sannikov and Ales Marachkin

Zmitser Sauka and his family

Ales Tsyrkunou and his grandson

Triptych "Flame"

Zmitser Bandarenka, Mikola Kupava and Ales Marachkin

"Invoked and и Possessed by Eternal Freedom"

"Vilnya Saints of Belarus"