Archive! © Published in pARTisan #1’2002

In-Formation (1995-2000) is a legendary Belarusian festvial of contemporary art in Viciebsk. Founder and curator — an artist Vasil Vasiljeu.

Abstract (the original text you can read on Belarusian)

What is demonstrated is ‘neither painting nor graphic arts’, this is its main idea in just a few words.

The heart of the matter is revealed through the name of the project: it searches for new forms on the one hand (‘in forma’ means ‘in the form’) and presupposes information exchange on the other.

Since In-formation obtained international status in 1995, artists and art critics from Belarus, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Norway, the USA, and France have taken part in it. Vasil Vasiljeu, a Viciebsk artist, has been in charge of the project ever since it was launched. The annual number of participants is limited to 10 to 15, which is necessary in order to create a very special atmosphere for dialogue.

So, Łarysa Michniević refers to events that have taken place within the project’s framework for the past six years. For instance in 1998 when Kazimir Malević’s 120th anniversary was being celebrated worldwide, In-formation turned five and Viciebsk saw a record number of participants in the exhibition.

However, its prospects are far from being optimistic, which actually reveals the problems of modern art in Belarus on the whole. Thus, none of the In-formation exhibits have been purchased so far by any museum, nor do art critics give the project any coverage in their research or the mass media.

Translated by Volha Kalackaja

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