“He is the Vitebsk brand of our generation”: the exhibition of watercolor works by Felix Gumen opened in Minsk

The exposition “Watercolor is my life” by the outstanding Vitebsk artist and teacher Felix Gumen opened in the National Library of Belarus. The exhibition is timed to the 85th anniversary of the painter’s birth, the correspondent of the Minsk-Novosti agency reports.

F. Gumen came to Vitebsk in 1958. Then he entered the art and graphic faculty of the Vitebsk Pedagogical Institute. In 1972 he organized his first exhibition in the city.

- The name of the exhibition “Watercolor – my life” is given for a reason. It characterizes both the paintings of Felix Fedorovich, and his attitude to art. 67 works were presented, starting from the 1970s and ending with modernity, said Viktor Pshibytko, Deputy General Director – Director for Information Resources and User Service of the National Library.

In the retrospective exposition you can see works from numerous plein airs of the artist: Vitebsk, fabulous and magical, with sparkling rain and street lamps, the surroundings of the city. As well as works from creative travels: streets of Minsk, Rostov, views of St. Petersburg, Izborsk, Polotsk, Spaso-Andronikov monastery, Museum-Reserve of V.D. Polenov, Moscow River, Lake Senezh, White Sea, etc.

- Felix Fedorovich's favorite instruments are the brush and blade. He used them to create sparks that are present in all works. The artist worked on the canvases every day. And not because it was his duty - just could not otherwise. When there were paints, the author wrote as soon as they ended - he began to read books. Then I bought paint and paper again, and then continued to create. Felix Humen loved the sun - it positively influenced the mood of the composition. But at the same time, very often the watercolorist went to the open air even during rain and frost, said the artist’s wife Tatiana Gumen. I want to thank everyone who participated in the creation of the exhibition and those who were able to come to its opening. My husband had a tradition of doing an exhibition and donating his work to a museum. I want to continue it and donate some paintings by Felix Fedorovich to the library fund. This artist is a jewel in the crown of art of Belarus. He is the Vitebsk brand of our generation. I really want a museum dedicated to the work of this painter to appear in Vitebsk, and there would be a memorial plaque nearby.

Every modern Belarusian watercolorist is, in fact, a follower of F. Gumen. The artist raised several generations of students and influenced his contemporaries. This year it will celebrate its 85th anniversary. The master wrote quickly, energetically, enthusiastically. If possible, a few jobs a day. He left a rich legacy of thousands of works.

- We met Felix Gumen in 1965. I studied at the Art and Graphic Faculty of the S. M. Kirov Vitebsk State Pedagogical Institute (now Vitebsk State University named after P. M. Masherov). In my student years, my teacher was Ivan Stolyarov, and in the second subgroup, Felix Gumen led pairs of students. He used to replace Stolyarov, make edits to our works. I was lucky to see the master behind the creative process when he helped graduate. In the first year I was with him in the plein air, got invaluable experience. We were lucky to work together at watercolor festivals in Vitebsk. It was a pleasure when Felix Fyodorovich asked me to give him an oil job from 1968 after a trip to Central Asia. I knew then that this painting had fallen into good hands. I want to express special gratitude to the National Library for the fact that bright, necessary and talented people are noticed here, said the artist Viktor Danilov.

A separate place in the exhibition is occupied by still lifes. Warmth and comfort is distinguished by the work of "Khryzantemy and apples". In the vase are yellow, like small suns, chrysanthemums. Nearby are three ripe and juicy apples. Items stand out on the canvas due to glare and dark draping.

- I am engaged in preserving the original Belarusian graphics, including the works of Felix Fedorovich. Its watercolors are rich in color and special warmth, atmosphere. The National Art Museum Foundation is proud to keep 317 works handed over by the artist, said Daria Karpeychik, a participant of the vernissage.

F. Humen died on January 14, 2026. He worked until the last day. He wrote four works in the morning and then his heart stopped. But "watercolour is his life," as the name of the exhibition claims. And it, his works, all the greatness of the Vitebsk school will forever remain in the hearts of students, spectators and admirers of F. Gumen’s work.

For reference

The exhibition is open until November 15.

Photo by author