About Viktar Barabantsau

1947              born in Gomel

1964 - 1968   studied at Minsk State Art College named after A. Glebov

1972 - 1978   studied at Belarusian State Theatre and Art Institute under G. Vashchenko, V. Stelmashonok, and N. Zalozny

1983              member of the Belarusian Union of Artists

1990              laureate of the Trade Unions of Belarus award

1999              Medal for Contributions to the Fine Arts of Belarus

2001              laureate of the "For Spiritual Revival" award

2010              Medal of Francysk Skaryna

2012              Medal of the Ministry of Culture “For Contribution to the Cultural Development of Belarus”

Viktar Barabantsau is a contemporary Belarusian artist who works in easel painting in the genres of landscape, portrait, still life, historical, religious, and story-based and thematic painting. A graduate of the monumental art department, the artist found his calling in easel painting, which is rich in the use of metaphors and symbols. He had already expressed an interest in the history, folklore, culture, and traditions of his people in his early works. In a series of genre paintings dedicated to Belarusian holidays and celebrations, the artist combines ethnographic authenticity with a technique that almost imperceptibly transitions from drawing to painting. The artist populates the monochrome spaces of his snowy village streets with many staffage figures. He emphasizes their authenticity by clothing them in traditional costumes and adding other attributes of folk festivals. During his long artistic career, Viktar Barabantsau has been able to address a large number of topics in works ranging from a series of religious portraits to historical paintings, but nature has emerged as the overriding theme of his work. In traveling around the world and participating in plein air painting events and festivals, he has managed to depict various notable places in his works in the Etude style. Viktar Barabantsau’s paintings are original and modest at the same time. The artist is the least interested in flamboyant effects, and he has focused on creating a multifaceted image of Belarus that emphasizes its unique culture, centuries-old history, and magnificent natural landscapes.

Permanent collections:

National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus

Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus

Mogilev Regional Arts Museum n.a. P. V. Maslennikov, Belarus

State Literary Museum of Yanka Kupala, Belarus

State Literary-Commemorative Museum of Yakub Kolas, Belarus

State Museum of the History of Belarusian Literature, Belarus

National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus

Literary Museum of Kuzma Chorny, Belarus

National Center for Contemporary Arts, Belarus