A powerful narrative of resilience and resistance unfolds through the latest installation by the Belarus Free Theatre (BFT) at the Venice Biennale, an artistic response to the oppressive regime of Alexander Lukashenko. This ambitious project, titled *Official. Unofficial. Belarus.*, seeks to convey the chilling reality faced by dissidents in Belarus, where censorship, imprisonment, and torture have seeped into the fabric of daily life. As the Biennale opens its doors, BFT’s work promises not only to engage the senses but also to provoke critical conversations about freedom and authoritarianism.
An Artistic Tribute to the Silenced
Nestled in a studio in west Warsaw, a group of former political prisoners are meticulously preparing an installation that encapsulates the essence of their experiences. Among the striking elements is a colossal sphere constructed from books banned in Belarus, including works by iconic authors such as Harry Potter and Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich. The installation is a visceral reminder of the regime’s attempts to obliterate dissent through censorship.
Accompanying the visual spectacle is an auditory journey, featuring composer Olga Podgaiskaya’s haunting organ piece that weaves together alarms and silences, evoking the trauma endured by those who have faced state violence. The installation will also engage the sense of smell, with a scent designed to evoke freshly dug graves in Belarus—a poignant symbol of loss and repression.
Generational Perspectives on Art and Resistance
At the heart of this project is the dynamic between Natalia Kaliada and her daughter Daniella, who has taken the reins of the installation’s direction. Daniella’s vision diverges from her mother’s established approach to theatre, reflecting a younger generation’s desire for direct engagement through visual art. “With visual art, the individual constructs their own narrative,” she asserts, highlighting a departure from traditional storytelling that often dominates theatre.
Their shared experiences of state oppression shape both their artistic choices and their personal lives. Daniella recalls her early encounters with the KGB, including the traumatic moment when her mother was arrested. “You go numb… because the worst thing is not to have any control,” Natalia reflects, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the context of their work.
A Reflection on Global Authoritarianism
The installation, while uniquely rooted in Belarusian experiences, speaks to broader themes of surveillance and repression faced by countless populations globally. Daniella remarks, “Belarus is a unique authoritarian combination, but we can all relate to the idea of surveillance.” This universality of experience is particularly timely given the current geopolitical climate, with Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine casting a long shadow over the Biennale’s proceedings.
In contrast to BFT’s installation, Russia is showcasing its own pavilion, which some critics argue legitimises the oppressive regime of Vladimir Putin. Natalia Kaliada expresses her dismay, suggesting that the Biennale must reconsider its approach to participation: “If the Olympics can change, why not the Biennale?”
A Community of Exiles
As the Kaliadas and their team work tirelessly to fine-tune the installation, it becomes evident that the project is not merely an artistic endeavour but a community effort. More than half of the funding has been anonymously sourced from Belarusian businesses, demonstrating solidarity among exiles. In a world where borders are tightening and authoritarianism is on the rise, this collective effort offers a glimmer of hope and resilience.
The emotional weight of the installation is palpable, with each element meticulously crafted to reflect the pain of loss and the strength of survival. From the towering iron crucifix adorned with surveillance cameras to the poignant wheat sculptures, every piece serves as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure amid brutal repression.
Why it Matters
*Official. Unofficial. Belarus.* at the Venice Biennale is more than an art installation; it is a clarion call for freedom and a powerful reminder of the human cost of authoritarianism. As the world grapples with the consequences of state oppression, this poignant exhibition shines a light on the resilience of those who dare to stand against tyranny. It invites audiences to reflect on their own freedoms while amplifying the voices of those silenced by oppressive regimes. The work not only commemorates the struggles of the Belarusian people but also serves as a catalyst for global conversations about the importance of artistic expression in the fight for human rights.
