Anna Kononova “We’ll show you what Belarusians haven’t seen.” Anna Kononova about plans for the National Art Museum

The concept of the development of the national cultural space in all spheres of society for 2024-2026 is actively implemented by various cultural institutions of the country in their work. Among them is the National Art Museum, which celebrated its 85th anniversary this year. BELTA's correspondent spoke with General Director of the National Art Museum Anna Kononova and found out what projects in the treasury of Belarusian fine art are planned to be implemented this year.

- The museum began its year with a large-scale exhibition dedicated to the anniversary. What other dates will be marked by the demonstration of new exhibitions?

- In the course of implementing the Concept for the Development of the National Cultural Space for 2024-2026, we carefully worked out the plan for 2024. The celebration of the museum’s 85th anniversary began with the anniversary exhibition “The Art Museum is 85. Posters and Photographs,” which shows the history of the custodian of a huge collection of Belarusian, Russian and European art. At each of our exhibitions, from 15-20 to half of all exhibits are shown for the first time. We took a special course to show what Belarusians have not yet seen. Of course, the exhibits selected for this purpose were prepared through certain restoration work.

After the opening of the exhibition dedicated to the anniversary of the museum, a wonderful exhibition “Belarusian sculpture of the 17th-18th centuries” began, which is also dedicated to the Belarusian heritage. As a research project, it took a long time to prepare. The exhibition features a wide range of rare exhibits. In general, 2024 is rich in anniversary projects dedicated to folk artists. Such events have long become a tradition, but it just so happens that during the museum’s anniversary year many anniversaries of famous creators take place. Among them are the master of landscape and theater artist Pavel Maslenikov, the outstanding national artist Raisa Kudrevich, who is known for her sunny, life-affirming works, as well as her father Vladimir Kudrevich. In addition, this year marks the anniversary of the sculptor Andrei Zaspitsky, who created a large number of objects on a patriotic theme that is sacred to Belarusians in Minsk and throughout the country. It is necessary to say about the Vitebsk school, including Yudel Pan and Yakov Kruger. The collection of the National Art Museum contains enough works by the great Russian artist Ilya Repin. We know that his heart was connected to the Belarusian land. Ilya Repin created many beautiful works at the Zdravnevo estate near Vitebsk. We plan to show a large-scale project for his anniversary both in our museum and on Vitebsk land during the Slavic Bazaar. By creating such exhibitions, we touch on the greatness of the Belarusian heritage not only on a national scale, but also on the scale of the Union State and the whole world, because the iconic names of many artists represent Belarus and its cultural heritage at the global level. This corresponds to the implementation of the Concept for the Development of the National Cultural Space, because its meaning and idea lies not so much in working with an emphasis on national branding, but in presenting the beautiful face of the country in the space of the world, because the achievements of Belarus need to be broadcast in all areas and spheres of society.

- Are there any projects planned to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders?

- A large-scale project of a military artists’ studio at the Central House of Officers of the Armed Forces of Belarus will take place at our site. We have already opened the season of exhibition projects dedicated to this holiday with an exhibition at the National Library. We can say that two well-known and important institutions for our country have joined forces. The project is called "Belarus liberated: the commandment of 1944." This name recalls the immutable law for the preservation of freedom and peace in our country, which we must observe in gratitude to the fathers who won a difficult confrontation and won this freedom. The project presents painting and sculpture from the National Art Museum of Belarus from the 1940s to the end of the 20th century. We are also preparing a number of television and publishing projects for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus.

In November we will present a serious research paper by our leading researcher on the topic of losses during the Great Patriotic War. It will be associated with a tragic page in the history of the museum, when its collection was lost during the years of occupation. Many masterpieces were returned in the post-war period. The Germans left some exhibits on Belarusian territory, but since they took the main part of the museum collection to Konigsberg and the Reich, some part of it was returned by Soviet soldiers. During the project created on the basis of this collection, we will present about 200 works, and using the digital format, the viewer will see for the first time those exhibits that have been preserved only in photographs.

- Will joint international projects be implemented?

- The famous singer Lydia Ruslanova at one time offered the museum a large number of rare items, which largely made up the Russian collection and the exposition of the Russian halls of the National Art Museum of Belarus.

Significant projects are planned in 2024 and 2025, presenting our national art at famous venues in Russia, including those related to cooperation between our countries through the Union State.

Recently, the museum opened an exhibition “My heart is purified by walking along the Clear River”, dedicated to the Chinese New Year and good cooperation between our peoples. It features our own collection. We are also preparing an exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijan, and are planning other international, including virtual projects.

- Soon it will be the 90th anniversary of the birth of Yuri Gagarin, and the first female cosmonaut from Belarus will also fly into space. Perhaps the museum will host an exhibition related to these themes?

- We are thinking about it. Perhaps such projects will be implemented jointly with other organizations and institutions.

- The museum is also known for its various “Inclusive Workshops at the Art Center”. Are similar projects expected in the near future and in what format will they take place?

- Yes, we have intensified work on inclusive projects and set the task of conducting them with a series of specialized master classes, including on animation and creating objects of decorative and applied art with our own hands. At the same time, we will look for new formats for holding inclusive events in the future, because this topic always remains relevant for us.

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