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On the evening of January 1, 1919, the "Manifest of the Provisional Workers' and Peasants' Soviet Government of Belarus" was read out on the radio. This date is considered the date of the proclamation of the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR). 105 years is an entire epoch in Belarusian history, which became the foundation for modern Belarusian statehood.
To mark the anniversary, the National Library of Belarus has prepared a book and illustrative exhibition "Pages of History: to the 105th anniversary of the formation of the BSSR".
The book exposition presents scientific, popular science and art publications that tell about the process of formation and development of the Belarusian statehood, the historical background and the process of registration of the BSSR. A number of publications reveal the main historical processes that took place during the existence of the BSSR – the Brest Peace Treaty, Belarusization, reunification of Western Belarus with the BSSR, tragic and heroic pages of history during the Great Patriotic War, participation in the work of the United Nations, post-war reconstruction of cities and villages. Of particular interest are materials on post- war achievements in various spheres of life of the BSSR – science, education, economics, industry, technology, agriculture.
During the period of the BSSR, a solid cultural foundation was laid. The era of the BSSR is represented by materials dedicated to prominent party and state figures of the BSSR – A. Myasnikov, K. Mazurov, P. Ponomarenko, K. Kiselev, P. Masherov, as well as Belarusians who glorified their republic far beyond its borders – K. Orlovsky, P. Klimuk, A. Medved. The gallery of creators who came from the BSSR and received worldwide recognition in the field of literature and art is represented by Ya. Kupala, Ya. Kolas, I. Shamyakin, K. Krapiva, M. Tank, I. Melezh, M. Savitsky, V. Mulyavin.
The flavour of the era is conveyed by various pictorial documents – postcards, photographs, posters. Of particular interest is the TASS photo chronicle "Soviet Belarus. Five-year plan – shock work" (1982), which presents an infographic of the results of work in all spheres of life of the country. The focus is on people who glorify labour: workers, peasants and intellectuals.
The art exposition is complemented by festive posters for the anniversaries of the BSSR, made by the best Belarusian poster artists members of the Union of Artists of Belarus. The posters are united by a solemn mood filled with pride for the country, images of successful cultural and industrial activities of the union, confidence in its future achievements and prosperity. Dedicated to the 50th, 60th and 70th anniversary of the BSSR, posters abound with Belarusian national symbols: cornflowers, wheat, Belarusian ornament, traditional costume, elements of production, large-scale construction, coat of arms, colours of the flag of the BSSR, etc. The following artists are among the authors: V. Zhuk, R. Malinovsky, I. Kreidik, V. Sytchenko, V. Krukovsky, I. Radunsky, L. Zamakh, G. Isypov, etc.
Resolute, bold slogans find colourful, imaginative support in each of the campaign posters, announce the anniversary year, contain a symbolic enumeration of achievements, as well as kind, warm wishes to the union. The art exhibition demonstrates the skills of the academic school of Belarusian poster graphics, life-affirming Soviet realism. Sincere confident faces, working hands, principled characters of the heroes of the plots impress with their energy and faith.
The exhibition is addressed to everyone who wants to learn more about the history of their country, its glorious heroic path and creative activities during the existence of the BSSR.
The book and illustrative exhibition runs from December 28, 2023 to January 31, 2024 in the Ring gallery of the 3rd floor and the Book Museum.
The end date of the exhibition can be changed.
The books presented in the exhibition can be ordered through the electronic catalogue of the National Library of Belarus.
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 29 80.
The material is provided by the Department of Gallery and Exhibition Activities.
