Artist Uładzimir Akułaŭ dies in house fire

February 10, Pozirk. Belarusian artist Uładzimir Akułaŭ died in a fire in his home in Słuck, Minsk region, at the age of 71, Słucki Kraj reported.

The incident occurred early on Tuesday morning. At 5:57 a.m., arriving firefighters discovered the man lying unconscious on the floor in his apartment. They carried him out of the building, and ambulance crew attempted to resuscitate him, but to no avail. At 6:38 a.m., he was pronounced dead.

The fire is believed to have been caused by careless smoking.

Born in Baranavičy, Brest region, on April 23, 1954, Uładzimir Akułaŭ studied visual arts at the teachers’ training institute in Viciebsk. He became known for his numerous avant-garde series, including Maski i vobrazy (Masks and Images), Partrety (Portraits), Vajna (War), Miescy i ludzi Biełarusi (Places and People of Belarus), Futbalisty (Football players).