Belarus’ exiled artists display work at Venice Biennale

May 7, Pozirk. The exiled Belarus Free Theater displays its work Official. Unofficial. Belarus at the Venice Biennale, which opens for public on May 9. Preview days have been under way since May 6.

The work was created by exiled artists Natalla Kalada, Mikałaj Chalezin, Danieła Kalada, Siarhiej Hrynievič, Volha Padhajskaja and Uładzimir Cesler.

It “uncovers the truth about modern Belarus to the world through symbols of censorship, voices of political prisoners, images of total control and experiences of life under pressure from the system,” opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja described the installation.

“Today, Belarusian culture is not only about arts. It is also about resistance and the right to be heard. At the Venice Biennale, which attracts . . . hundreds of thousands of visitors and sets global trends, Belarus is represented by a pavilion. I am impressed by the depth and boldness of the exhibition,” she noted.

Belarusian artists have taken part in Venice Biennale exhibitions since 2005.