The exhibition was given its catchy title by its organisers – “Shake of Vitrage and Pastel”. The library corridor truly resembles a long dance floor. This impression is created by the stained-glass works of Maryna Haryslawka and the pastels of Iryna Atrashkevich. The works harmonise so well that they seem to compete for the best in a whirlwind of dance. And it is not a tango, not a waltz, not a twist, but the recently forgotten "shake" that reflects the swift, almost mobile interplay of the colourful palettes. Such an effect would not have been achieved if the artists' exhibitions were held separately.
Stained glass is a work of decorative art, either figurative or ornamental, made of coloured glass, designed for transmitted light and intended to fill an opening, most often a window, in an architectural structure.
At first, you see a seemingly vivid scene, and only then do you read the title of the work and rejoice to yourself that you have guessed the author's intention: "Lilies", "Valley", "Aquarium", "Koi Carp", and architectural masterpieces of Lepel – "RDK" (District House of Culture), "St. Casimir's Church", "Railway Station", "Church of the Nativity of Christ".
Iryna's pastels blend seamlessly into Maryna's stained-glass works. This transition from the vibrancy of the former to the instant calm of the latter creates the impression of a "shake".
Drawing with pastel allows for the closest contact between the artist and the material. The coloured chalk becomes an extension of the fingers, and a connection arises between the artist's hand and the pastel, similar to the connection between a sculptor's hand and the clay they work with.
Like any technique, pastel drawing has its inconveniences. Pastel painting is created spontaneously, in one breath. It requires great skill and lightness, and if it becomes necessary to go back, one must be careful.
Chalk for pastel drawing can be soft or hard. In the former case, with a broad and free application of the paint layer, a texture resembling oil painting can be achieved. When working with hard pastel, the texture of the imprint resembles a drawing.
“Easter Eggs”, “Candles”, “Angelica”, “Oranges”. Only this way and no other could the works be named. And Iryna found the only correct titles. She also chose special subjects, as pastel, like batik, requires a specific, expressive object in the foreground.
It is noteworthy that Iryna Atrashkevich and Maryna Haryslawka are teacher and student. Iryna led an art club at the Staralepel school, and Maryna attended it. Iryna managed to instill in Maryna a love for beauty.