An exhibition of 30 images by Belarusian designer Artur Vakarau depicting the "heroic, unyielding, and stubborn resistance" of Belarusians under Alyaksandr Lukashenka's 30-year rule has opened near the Museum of Occupations and Struggle for Freedom in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Belarus Under Lukashenka: 30 Years Of Dictatorship In 30 Posters
On display in Vilnius, works by Belarusian designer Artur Vakarau depict the struggle of Belarusians as they endure the 30 years of Alyaksandr Lukashenka's rule.
"Six months ago, as I was reflecting on this sad anniversary and its consequences, I came up with a project concept.... I made 30 posters, each depicting the horrific outcomes of Lukashenka's rule for society, politics, economy, and culture.
"Lukashenka is one of the record holders [in terms of length of stay in power]. Lithuanians, Poles, Czechs -- they understand that everything is bad in Belarus, but they don't understand what 30 [years] means.... It's very, very strong," Vakarau (pictured) said at the opening.
"Damn, that's 30 years (of Lukashenka's regime in Belarus)!" Vakarau exclaimed.
Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya (left), the exiled leader of Belarus's democratic movement, joined Vakarau in the opening near the Vilnius Museum of Occupations and Struggle for Freedom.
Tsikhanouskaya claimed to have defeated Lukashenka in the 2020 Belarusian presidential vote after she ran in place of her husband, Syarhey Tsikhanouski, who was imprisoned in solitary confinement in Belarus.
In a speech at the opening, Tsikhanouskaya said, "The handcuffs depicted in one of Artur Vakarau’s posters perfectly convey what has been happening in Belarus over the past 30 years."
"This exhibition is not about the regime. It is about all those who have fought against the regime over these years, including our heroes, the political prisoners."
"Every day, we remember them and do everything we can to free our loved ones and friends from prison."
"The past 30 years have been, above all, 30 years of heroic, unyielding, and stubborn resistance. Resistance that continues to this day."
“For us Belarusians, it is crucial to stick together, meet each other, and remind ourselves of who we are and where we come from. We should remember that one day we will come back home and celebrate our free and democratic Belarus," Tsikhanouskaya said.
The event was attended by members of the Belarusian diaspora as well as Belarusian and Lithuanian politicians.
The exhibition will be available for viewing until August 24.