Yury Karachun (1931–1997), Honoured Artist of Belarus, headed the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus for 20 years, succeeding the legendary Alena Aladava as director. She herself chose him as her successor. Alena Aladava was convinced that he was the right person to continue her work so that the museum would prosper. She was not mistaken. Yury Karachun was appointed director of the State Art Museum of the BSSR on 12 December 1977. He became a true museum professional, worthy of continuing the legacy of Alena Aladava and contributing to the museum’s further development. During his 20-year tenure as director, many important events took place: the construction of a new museum building, the museum turned into a large ensemble with several affiliates, the museum’s collection grew, catalogues of the museum collections and albums were published.
With his qualities of a true leader, Yury Karachun was a creative force, and not just a professional artist, but an artist by heart. From 1947 to 1952, he studied at the Aliaksei Glebau Minsk Art College. In 1965, he graduated from the Moscow Polygraphic Institute (part-time department of the Book Design Faculty). Yury Karachun was now a professionally trained graphic artist.
Yury Karachun won several prizes for his book designs not only in Belarus, but also in Moscow, such as the bronze medal of the USSR Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy.
The artist’s body of work is distinguished by its sincerity, veracity and lyrical quality, and includes numerous watercolours and drawings. 20 of them are in The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus’ collection. The exhibition will feature 19 of them, while “Winter Morning” is a part of the museum’s permanent display.
Yury Karachun’s works are in the collections of the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus, Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture and Life, Yakub Kolas Museum of Literature and in private collections.
The exhibition will open on 13 March 2026 at 5:00 PM in the museum’s transitional gallery (20a Lenin Street).
