A realistic vision of nature and a certain narrative quality from the very beginning became the prism through which the artist expressed his relationship to the beauty of the surrounding world. Such a choice of Vyachaslau Shamshur was prompted by his studying at the Art and Graphic Faculty of the Vitebsk Pedagogical Institute (now Pyotr Masherov University) under famous graphic artists and painters as well as staunch supporters of realistic art, such as Ryhor Klikushyn, Ivan Staliarou, Aliaksandr Haurushka.
Since the beginning of the 1990s, Vyachaslau Shamshur has been paying more attention to pastel, with his work acquiring a new sonority, painterly decorativeness and emphasised dynamics.
The master's work gradually developed a system of favorite themes and motifs, which can be seen in the compositions presented at the exhibition “In the Harmony of Soulfulness and Warmth”.
For example, a significant number of Vyachaslau Shamshur's works are dedicated to Miory District – the small homeland of the artist. The land, which he depicts with such fondness, is for him identically connected with his roots.
Thematically related to the Miory landscape is a series of compositions dedicated to Braslau district. The distinctive beauty of the water-mirror quite often becomes a leitmotif in the artist's landscapes. In a number of works of Vyachaslau Shamshur, a road leading somewhere in the distance looks almost symbolic. This compositional technique, as well as the images of village houses, baths, motifs of rural life, are especially beloved of the artist, give a storytelling quality to his works, often turning into their figurative dominants.
In the work of Vyachaslau Shamshur, one can speak of a distinct poeticism of the urban landscape. And these are not only the landscapes of Vitebsk, although this city dominates his most recent landscape paintings. The artist's city is rather peculiar, there is no noise and commotion, no restless modern rhythms and urbanistic signs, no high-speed traffic and intense human flows; here most often prevails the measured movement of time, a somewhat provincial spirit and a uniquely poetic melody of the urban motif. More than once, the artist turns to depicting urban landscapes with images of famous Vitebsk temples, to the creation of compositions in which he tried to convey the peculiar beauty of Vitebsk courtyards, or the distinctive individuality of Vitebsk public bathhouses.
The world of feelings and moods in the works of Vyachaslav Shamshur is particularly distinctive with its soulfulness and warmth. Their harmony creates a certain atmosphere as well as the tonality of most artistic images in his compositions. Each of his works is often a search for a new compositional technique, rhythmic movement and intonation of colour, which gives the body of work of Vyachaslav Shamshur a unique appeal.
He graduated from the Art and Graphic Faculty of Vitebsk State Pedagogical Institute (1970), completed postgraduate studies at the Institute of Art Studies, Ethnography and Folklore of the Academy of Sciences of the BSSR (1978). Candidate of Arts (1980), professor (1993). Since 1970, he has been teaching at the Vitebsk State Pedagogical Institute (now Pyotr Masherov University). From 1986 to 2005, he was the head of the Department of Arts, from 2006 – a professor of the Department of Design. Since 2010 – appointed professor of the department of decorative and applied arts and technical graphics.
Interests include researching the history of Belarusian art of the first half of the 20th century and the work of contemporary artists from Vitebsk. Author of the monograph “Celebration of the Revolution” (Minsk., 1989), the study guide “Linocuts. Art and Technology” (Minsk., 2000), several chapters of “History of Belarusian Art” (vol. 4., Minsk., 1991), articles in "ELiMBel" magazine, scientific journals, periodicals.
The artist works in various easel graphics techniques. The main works are made in linocut and pastel techniques. Since 1986, he has been regularly participates in art exhibitions. He has been a member of the Belarusian Union of Artists since 1993. Participant in a large number of plein airs, including the international art plein air “East-West” in Gorlice (Poland) (2000, 2004 and 2011), republican plein airs dedicated to Uladzimir Karatkievich (2005), Ryhor Baradulin (2006), Napoleon Orda (2006), Jazep Drazdovich (2007), Vasil Bykau (2008, 2012 and 2013), Jan Chrucki (2008), Jan Barszczewski (2009) and Emilia Plater (2010).
Awarded with honorary diplomas of the Ministry of Education of the BSSR (1982), the Administration of the Pershamayski District of Vitebsk (1997), the Belarusian Union of Artists (1998). Awarded the title “Outstanding National Educator of the BSSR” (1983). Awarded a special prize of the Polotsk-Vitebsk Diocese for the best works of art dedicated to the spiritual rebirth of a person (1992).
The exhibition will run until October 23, 2023
