Today, March 10, the exhibition gallery located on the second floor of the main building of BNTU hosted the grand opening of the "New Life of Dolls" exhibition. The works on display are by Irina Rogalskaya.
For reference: the exhibition reflects the artist's ten-year journey in designing and creating custom doll costumes. A total of 45 works are on display. Thanks to Irina Nikolaevna's unique techniques, toys familiar from childhood, and seemingly forgotten, have acquired a new meaning and style.
The event was attended by BNTU Rector Sergei Kharitonchik; Svyatoslav Rogalsky, PhD in Theology, Associate Professor, and Chairman of the Board of the International Public Association "Christian Educational Center of Saints Methodius and Cyril"; Timur Matyushinetz, Vice-Rector for Ideological and Educational Work; Irina Gud, Head of the Center for Ideological Work and Youth Affairs; Ekaterina Shavanova, Deputy Head of the Center for Ideological Work and Youth Affairs; Samrina Malesha, Head of the Department for Work with Student Associations and Organizations; and students from the Faculty of Architecture.
Sergei Vasilyevich delivered a welcoming address, congratulating those gathered on the opening of the exhibition. He also noted the symbolism of the event during the Year of Belarusian Women and thanked Father Svyatoslav, a longtime friend of the university, for his initiative.
Then the word was passed to Svyatoslav Rogalsky. He noted that the idea of the exposition arose during the celebration of the 105th anniversary of BNTU and the opening of the exhibition at the Polytechnic has a deeply personal history for his family. So, the mother of Svyatoslav Rogalsky - the author of the presented works - was born and spent her childhood in the house, which today is the 13th building. Her father and great-grandfather taught at the Belarusian Polytechnic Institute.
During the event, Svyatoslav's father presented unique archival photographs and documents to the audience, including the original 1942 PhD dissertation of his great-grandfather, Mikhail Reprintsev.
Svyatoslav Rogalsky also thanked the rector for her assistance and support of the project. He noted that the exhibition, which will run until March 13, continues the work of his mother, who sadly has passed away.
The exhibition, which opened in the main building of BNTU, generated keen interest among students and staff. Irina Mikhailovna, who helped organize the exhibition, said the exhibits resonated with visitors.
"Each doll is so lifelike; you can tell they've been played with. It's like a rebirth of history, a rebirth of childhood. Judging by the reactions of those present, we succeeded in evoking the emotions we intended. I'm sure both students and university staff will visit this exhibition."
Students from the architecture department also shared their impressions and told us what they remembered most. Alena Cherkas admitted that the exhibition was a revelation for her:
"Father's mother spent 10 years of her life doing this, and a piece of that life is now here. Where else can you see something like this? It's worth thanking our university." Of all the exhibits, I remember the largest doll most vividly – she has a beautiful train and a full gown. I think creative exhibitions like this should continue to be held, because, firstly, it shows students that they can find something dear to their hearts in every old thing, and secondly, it's inspiring. You don't have to throw away old toys – you can always give them a second life."
In turn, Milana Yankovskaya noted that such exhibitions help broaden one's horizons.
"It was very unusual and interesting. I was particularly impressed by the fact that all the dolls' clothes were handmade; the attention to detail was so beautiful. I especially remember the doll at the beginning of the exhibition – Marikita Perez. She immediately stood out from the crowd, with her magnificent outfit and incredibly beautiful decor. Exhibitions like this should definitely be held at BNTU in the future. I think they broaden one's horizons, especially for students of the architecture department, as it's a very creative field."
The exhibition offered a fresh perspective on the connections between generations and the history of the university, giving visitors warm memories and aesthetic pleasure.
As a reminder, the exhibition runs until March 13th. Don't miss your opportunity to immerse yourself in this wonderful world of dolls.
