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Anton Radzivonau – a Belarusian artist whose works embody the pain of loss and the hope for a new beginning. Anton was born and raised in Belarus and, from an early age, immersed himself in the world of art. His works are distinguished by a vivid expression of inner emotions.
“A Long Journey” tells the story of the artist, reflecting the impact of emigration on his creativity and his search for identity and a new home. In Radzivonau’s works, there is an open and sincere dialogue with both himself and the surrounding world, capturing the difficulties and emotional experiences he has had to overcome.
The exhibition features both his early works created in Belarus and his most recent pieces made in exile. Here, he begins exploring new forms of self-expression and interaction with the world around him. The new identity the artist is forging incorporates the best qualities of both worlds, connecting his past with his contemporary experiences.
-“My new works focus on the theme of journeys. In some pieces, a ship is visible; in others, a train. It’s symbolism—waiting to return, or perhaps not returning at all. Only now did I think I could have made an installation and placed in the center of the hall the bags I left Belarus with,” says Anton Radzivonau.
The artist explains that he currently doesn’t have his own studio, but he has freedom. He can paint, speak, and publish whatever he thinks and wants:
-“You look at artists’ Instagram accounts—there are openings, everything looks great, they’re dressed beautifully, but it all feels artificial. I realized I pay for my freedom with certain difficulties in life. They pay to walk around with a glass of prosecco, to exhibit work as neutrally as possible so nothing rattles them. But they stay silent, while I can speak, and I will use this, no matter what.”
The paintings created abroad are still connected to Belarus, he says:
-“They are connected. There’s symbolism—sometimes the Pahonia, sometimes the white-red-white flag. Some people tell me, ‘You were forced out of the country; you’re no longer a Belarusian artist.’ On one hand, they are right, but on the other—how can you escape your identity? You can’t.”
The attached audio file contains the full conversation with the artist. Listen to the interview!
Original article: polskieradio.pl
