“We Will Be Understood in 100 Years. Lazar Khidekel”: on 15 February a creative exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of creative association UNOVIS will open in Minsk

In February 2020 globally recognized creative association UNOVIS celebrates 100th anniversary since it’s foundation in Vitebsk by Kazimir Malevich. A large scale project #UNOVIS100 was launched in Belarus on the eve of this memorable date being realized by the Belarusian - Jewish Cultural Heritage Centre in partnership with Vitebsk People's Art School History Museum and A1. The highlight is the first ever in Belarus exhibition of Lazar Khidekel in the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus on 15 February.

“We will be understood in 1oo years. Lazar Khidekel” is the first in Belarus personal exhibition of the first global suprematic architect, artist, innovator and a bright avant-gardist. Thanks to A1 about 100 original works and UNOVIS documentation from the Khidekel’s archives will be delivered specifically for the exhibition to Minsk from New York. Unique exposition will be available at the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus until 15 April.

“Lazar Khidekel’s words “We will be understood in 100 years” and mystic coincidences inspired us for creation of the concept of this exhibition. Surprisingly, the first personal Khidekel’s exhibition in his native country will take place on his birthday, i.e. 29 February. 100 years after Belarus can regain it's status as the centrepoint of future technologies. In order to emphasize this idea young Belarusian architects and IT VR experts were invited to contribute to this project. They are working on a number of collaborations together with designers, complimentary lectures and events and other fascinating projects associated with UNOVIS creative activities and Khidekel”, - commented Maya Katznelson, founder of the Belarusian - Jewish Cultural Heritage Centre.

Documentation and works for exhibition in Minsk were provided by Lazar Khidekel's family: his son, a well-known architect and designer Mark Khidekel with his wife, Doctor of Fine Arts Regina Khidekel as well as their son and architect Roman Khidekel. All of them will travel from New York for this exhibition. In October 2019 a prestigious awarding ceremony in the area of architecture, i.e. International Lazar Khidekel’s Prize for the first time ever was held in Minsk with participation of his heirs.

“UNOVIS heritage is scattered around the globe. Any museum or a private collector is proud of their showpieces signed off by Kazimir Malevich, El Lissitzky and by other artists associated with Vitebsk Renaissance. Undoubtedly, Lazar Khidekel is one of them and return of his works to his Motherland where 100 year ago he started developing his innovative projects of cities above water and cosmic architecture is a historic moment”, - emphasized Vladimir Prokoptsov, General Director of the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus.

On the eve of UNOVIS 100th anniversary on 12-13 February international scientific conference featuring foreign researchers of avant-garde history will take place at Vitebsk People's Art School History Museum. It will be closed down at the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus on 14 February on the day of UNOVIS 100th anniversary. Schedule of further #UNOVIS100 events will be communicated later.

“Lazar Khidekel’s works have long ago become a world heritage and we are very happy that they will be presented in Belarus with A1 support, - noted Nikolai Bredelev, head of A1 PR. – Support of precious artifacts that belong to the national culture is very crucial for our company. Within #UNOVIS100 that is realized in collaboration with our partners we would like to emphasize paramount importance of those processes that took place in Vitebsk in 1920s for the world cultural context and to return the names of the greatest artists to their native country”.

Within the framework of #UNOVIS100 VOKA VOD offers a free access to UNOVIS documentary till end of anniversary year – from 23 January till 31 December. Evgeny Setko’s film tells why the first around the globe suprematist school appeared in Vitebsk, what was it’s influence on the contemporary culture and art and how it glorifies Belarus all over the world. It is available from any device in any operator’s network upon authorization in VOKA app or on voka.tv via phone number registration. A sneak preview of UNOVIS documentary took place on 22 January in VOKA CINEMA.