Trends in Belarus:

Fine art in Belarus itself is in a “mode of silence” ( or self-preservation), which was preceded by an unfulfilled “standby mode”. There is several levels of censorship throughout the entire cultural sphere. Political and critical independent art is impossible today in the public sphere of Belarus.

The authorities now have lists of “unreliable” artists, and changes to the Culture Code came into force (January 1, 2023), according to which each exhibition must go through an approval procedure: curators/organizers must photograph everything and, along with a text description of the author: k, submit their works and other information for approval to the Ministry of Culture (this is an inspection by the intelligence services, where the Ministry - only an intermediary). In this case, the agreement takes place in the form of a verbal call as a recommendation, so that no evidence remains.

A striking phenomenon in censorship was the phenomenon of propagandist censorship, or the so-called Bondarevai/Sidarovich/Zhigimont phenomenon, after the names of the three most famous informers, who in Belarus began to be called the horsewomen of the apocalypse. Informers like them regularly make posts in the press, telegram channels and other social networks, leaving public accusations against people who were noticed in the protests. The repressive reaction to such posts from the authorities sometimes occurs immediately.

To circumvent censorship, many artists are forced to exhibit and receive orders using pseudonyms.

The lists of “unreliable” artists and other cultural figures are constantly expanding. There is a ban on exhibitions, a ban on purchasing works and adding them to collections. Another way to put pressure on artists is through the rise of workshop rentals.

Another sad trend that continues in the field of fine arts is the pressure on creative unions: the regime’s attempts to make them (in particular the Union of Artists) organizations of “such idealism” - so that they indicate in their areas of activity “military-patriotic education” and the like things. Also, for some participants, membership in such unions is suspended.

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Trends of Belarusian art in the world:

Unlike Belarus, the ever-expanding Belarusian diaspora around the world hosts many events.

Among the most common themes in statements and events: the theme of nomadism and forced immigration, the theme of protests and solidarity, an appeal to the history of Belarusian culture, enography and the Belarusian language.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, all sorts of ways of complicity with Ukrainian collegiate women and participation in projects of support and solidarity with Ukraine are being organized. Russian cancel culture continues.

Networks of Belarusian art abroad are being strengthened: conferences, research are being held and new institutions are being created.

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Loss of the year:

On the night of July 11, political prisoner Ales Pushkin died in intensive care “under unclear circumstances.”