Urban Myths

Minsk, Belarus,
2015

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 Myths

Location

Minsk, Belarus

Commissioner

Urban Myths, British Embassy Belarus

The 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.