The exhibition presents portraits, still lifes, interior and story compositions, self-portrait and landscapes made in the technique of pencil drawing, charcoal, pastel and felt-tip pen.
Leonid Shchemelyov changed his style depending on the creative task. He drew either with thin, clear strokes in a quick and slightly sketchy manner, often choosing a pencil, or he went through the form in detail, using a drawing without contours. The artist masterfully used the expressive pencil line with one contour and light-and-dark manner in painting.
Is an artist of the era, an icon for Belarusian and Soviet art. Honored Artist of the BSSR (1977), People’s Artist of Belarus (1983), laureate of the State Prize of the BSSR (1982) and the Prize of the Union State in the field of literature and art (2009). He was awarded the Orders of the Patriotic War of I and the II degree, medals and the badge of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus ‘For Contribution to the Development of the Culture of Belarus’ (2003). Leonid Shchemelyov is a holder of the Francysk Skaryna Order (2001). He was conferred of title ‘Minsker of the Year 2003’.
Leonid Shchemelyov left an enormous legacy of sketches, drawings and sketches for his portraits, still lifes, interior and story compositions, self-portraits and landscapes. The exhibition includes all this.
Nature was the basis for Leonid Shchemelyov’s creativity. He was a master who depicted real life. He always looked for the right angle and composition. The artist put into his plots a meaning. This was especially evident in his drawings: even a small sketch always became not only a finished work, but also the basis to transform an idea in painting.
The exhibition will run until July 10, 2023
