Cultural diversity apparent
The recent Polonaise exhibition covered over 1,000 square metres, featuring around 250 diverse works by over 60 artists from the Belarusian school of fine arts, presenting a wide palette of creative directions: pictorial and graphic art, sculpture, decorative-and-applied arts, as well as design.
The globally famous work, Farewell to Homeland, which explores deep patriotic feeling, was the keynote of the exhibition, its melody filling the space with remembrances of lyrical Belarusian landscapes, as reflected in the various delicate images portrayed through the works of art.
Oginski’s exhibition
In total, the Polonaise show truly confirmed that Michal Kleofas Oginski leaves a legacy great in significance. He is more than an historical personality or a character from schoolbooks, tying the past and the present. Undoubtedly, the outstanding composer, musician, prominent state figure and diplomat is an extremely attractive figure for creative apprehension of his personality, as well as for research of his cultural heritage. He was born 250 years ago, making 2015 the Year of Michal Kleofas Oginski (as declared by UNESCO), indicating his vital place within world artistic culture.
The composer’s artistry and life were full of romanticism and courage: an inspiring combination. Vladimir Korotkevich devoted his Song of Northern Athens essay to Oginski, while Oleg Zaletnev composed his Michal Kleofas Oginski: Unknown Portrait opera. Director Victor Dashuk wrote A Minor Polonaise documentary, devoted to this famous personality, who also inspired Oginski Polonaise, a feature film for children, staged by Lev Golub.
Oginski’s exhibition
The Polonaise exhibition includes works by experienced artists and young novices, hosted by Minsk’s Palace of Arts. It will be long remembered as a keynote in the country’s cultural life.
By Veniamin Mikheev
