Spain. Santander Painting

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.