The Maldzis initiative acquired at an auction in Israel a drawing by Osip Lyubich, a prominent representative of the Paris School of Art, who was originally from Grodno.
Photo: Maldzis
«Osip Lyubich is an example of how the creativity of an artist from Grodno becomes part of the European art canon, but his figure remains little-known in Belarus even today. We want to change this by bringing his name and work back into the Belarusian context,» says Pavel Matsukevich, head of the Maldzis initiative.
Lyubich's drawing «Workers» was acquired with funds from a patroness who wished to remain anonymous.
In the future, the acquired artwork is planned to be transferred to Grodno as a public gift.
Photo: Maldzis
«Lyubich's drawing opens a new chapter in the history of Maldzis' activity. This is a step towards forming a more holistic vision of Belarusian cultural heritage, which includes not only archival and historical values, but also fine art,» says Ryhor Astapenya, curator of the initiative.
On June 27, the drawing will be viewable at the «Maldzis Art Cafe with Dmitry Saladki» in Warsaw.
About Osip Lyubich
Osip Lyubich (1896—1990) is an artist of Belarusian origin, one of the representatives of the Paris School.
Born in Grodno into a Jewish family. He studied in Odessa, where he received a classical art education. In 1920, he moved to Berlin, working as a set designer for theater, opera, and film. This influenced his visual language and interest in scenic imagery.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
From 1923, he lived in Paris, in the Montparnasse district — the center of artistic life at that time. Here he formed as an artist of the Paris School. His work includes portraits, landscapes, still lifes, but he most distinctly expressed himself in scenes from theater and circus life.
During World War II, Lyubich was arrested and ended up in the Drancy camp, from which he managed to escape. After the war, he continued to live and work in Paris.
His works are now in museums and private collections worldwide, including in Belarus — in the National Art Museum and the corporate collection of Belgazprombank.
Lyubich's fate and legacy strongly unite Belarus with France, Germany, and Israel.
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Самі не бачыце, што напісалі? І што значыць вярнула, калі яе ніколі не скралі з Беларусі?