Тhe exhibition of the Belarusian artist Vyachaslau Shamshur “In the Harmony of Soulfulness and Warmth”

Тhe exhibition of the Belarusian artist Vyachaslau Shamshur “In the Harmony of Soulfulness and Warmth”
On September 7, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., the opening of the exhibition of the Belarusian artist Vyachaslau Shamshur “In the Harmony of Soulfulness and Warmth” will take place in the transitional gallery of the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus (Lenin St., 20A). The exhibition presents more than 30 pastel and oil works from the author's collection, created during the last 30 years.

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.

frequently asking questions

Where can I park an automobile?

The closest parking spot is along the Karl Marx Str. (paid parking)

Can I enter in the outdoor clothes?

No, it is not according to the museum rules. Please, leave it in the cloacroom. 

What should I leave in the cloakroom?

All oversized bags, backpacks and packages larger than 30x40x20 cm, as well as umbrellas, must be checked in to the cloakroom or left in the storage room. Bottles of water cannot be brought into the exposition, you can drink water in the lobby or museum cafe on the 1st floor.

Сan i enter the exposition with a baby stroller?

Yes, we welcome visitors in the 0+ age category.