Creating Fairy Tales by Paintbrush

From May 5 to June 12, the Documents on Art reading room (No 306) is launching the book and illustrative exhibition "Creating Fairy Tales by Paintbrush", dedicated to the 175th anniversary of the birth of the Russian artist Viktar Vasniatsow (1848–1926).

The most prominent romantic-style painter, Viktar Vasniatsow, rose to fame for his depictions of historical and folkloric subjects. His works and name are well–known. It is impossible to overstate the creative worth of Vasniatsow's creations. He was one of the pioneers in bringing the fantastical worlds of myths, epics, and folklore to life. The master's brilliance also showed up in a wide range of artistic mediums, including monumental painting, architecture, theatre decor, and many other forms of artistic production.

The works of Vasniatsow are infused with a profound, real atmosphere and a folk spirit. They are authentic and genuine. We are introduced to the realm of Russian fairy tales, myths, and epics through the mighty "Bogatyrs", melancholy "Alionushka", "Ivan Tsarevich on the Grey Wolf", "Sleeping Princess", "Vitiaz at the Crossroads", and many other reproductions of paintings on display at the exhibition.

"Bogatyrs," a painting that Vasniatsow worked on sporadically for 25 years, was his most monumental and important creation. Despite being published in 1950, the large-format reproduction of this work, which is displayed in the centre of the exhibition, has a surprisingly high-quality colour reproduction and a rich palette.

By eschewing the prose of daily life for the poetry of dreams and visions and discreetly capturing the natural beauty of the world, Vasniatsow was able to imbue the environment with magnificent spirituality in his works. The replica of the well-known "Alionushka" will allow the visitor to confirm this. Aspens that are quivering against a background of a dark spruce forest, as if empathising with a lonely heroine, drop leaves gilded in autumn into the pool like tears. This scene is filled with the melody of grief.

Vasniatsow's works had widespread appeal and the audience's unwavering devotion because of his ability to capture the beauty and sublimity of folk fantasy. The visitor will find a casket at the show among the exhibit materials. You can select a helpful fairy-tale prediction for yourself after opening it.

The opening hours of the exhibition corresponds to the library’s opening hours.
Entrance to the exhibition is available by the library ticket or ticket of the library's social and cultural center.

For more info: (+375 17) 293 27 53.

The article is provided by the Special collections service department.