Urban Myths
Minsk, Belarus,
2015
Completed work for Urban Myths, Minsk, Belarus. December 2015 Photograph: Guido van Helten
In late 2015 I was invited to participate in the Urban Myths project in the Belarusian Capital of Minsk. The work draws on traditional Vyshvanka embroidery in Belarus, its symbolism, meaning and connection with identity.
Words by Guido van Helten
Project Details
Project
Urban MythsLocation
Minsk, BelarusCommissioner
Urban Myths, British Embassy BelarusThe Vyshyvanka is a design which features on traditional clothing noted in Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe. Traditionally a geometric pattern weaved in the past by adding red or black threads into the light threads is believed to have the powers of protection and features in modern times as a symbol of national identity and varying cases of unity within Belarus, Ukraine and in former soviet states. Uniquely within Belarus, the wearing of the Vyshyvanka can be seen as radical, a symbol of protest or a symbol of national identity in opposition.
Here the Traditional Vyshyvanka is worn on the underneath and suppressed by dominant and heavier clothing elements as colour, expression and vibrancy is used only within the embroidery patterns itself.
Thanks to Aleh from Urban Myths Project and British Embassy in Belarus.
Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts Minsk, Belarus. December 2015 Photograph: TUT.BY
British Ambassador Bruce Bucknell and Artist Minsk, Belarus. December 2015 Photograph: Alexander Vasyukovich
British Ambassador Bruce Bucknell and Artist Minsk, Belarus. December 2015 Photograph: Alexander Vasyukovich
Painted at the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts Minsk, Belarus. December 2015 Photograph: Siarhei Hudzilin
Finishing details at the University of Culture and Arts Minsk, Belarus. December 2015 Photograph: Siarhei Hudzilin
Gold Stadt (City of Gold)
Pforzheim, Germany, 2023
Gold Stadt (City of Gold) conjures thoughts of destruction and...
Bookbinders in Exarcheia
Exarcheia, Athens, Greece, 2021
This work explores the collective identity of Exarcheia, a central...
YYC Bump
Calgary, Canada, 2019
Exploring the shared iconographic relationships and cultural usage...
Hold Water I
Azraq, Jordan, 2019
Installed on a water tower in the small community of Azraq, Jordan,...
Southern Cross University
Gold Coast, Australia, 2018
In early 2018 I was invited to create a mural at the Gold Coast...
Solar de Samaniego
Laguardia, Spain, 2016
Commissioned by Solar de Samaniego winery in the wine producing...
Melbourne Polytechnic
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2017
This work visually explores the interaction of human stories and...
UPEA Festival I
Helsinki, Finland, 2016
Muistot Unelmien'(Remembering a Dream) Painted in Helsinki Finland...
A Portrait of an Artist: Collaboration with Selina Miles
Grímsey, Iceland, 2015
In August 2015, film director Selina Miles travelled with artist...
Back Alley Gallery
Lismore, New South Wales, 2016
Titled 'Willow' after the subject of the painting this piece was...
Urban Myths
Minsk, Belarus, 2015
In late 2015 I was invited to participate in the Urban Myths...
Lily of the Valley
Kiev, Ukraine, 2015
конвалія (Lily of the Valley) painted as part of CityArt project in...
Akureyravaka
Akureyri, Iceland, 2014
'Painted for Akureyrarvaka Menningarnótt (culture night) in 2014...
