In December, the Tyzenhaus Gallery will celebrate its 25th anniversary. It has a heart. And a tail. Even two.
The atmosphere here is created not only by the paintings but also by its loyal furry residents — cats Čarnuška and Laŭryk, writes «Hrodzienskaja praŭda».
They are the true masters of the space, always attentive and vigilant, like real guardians of this special place, watching everyone who crosses the threshold. It's impossible to imagine the Tyzenhaus Gallery without cats. They don't just live here — they are part of history. One could say, an unofficial symbol of the gallery.
«The very first cat came to us in the first days of work. Her name was Anfisa,» recalls gallerist Voĺha Babinskaja. «Such a confident city cat, independent and calm, she showed up as if to her own home. We fed her, tried to gently show her the door, saying, 'Go on, goodbye.' But she decided that our gallery was now her home. And so she lived with us for 13 years, although she was already an adult when we met her.»
When Anfisa passed away in 2013, it seemed that our journey ahead would be without animals. We thought we wouldn't meet another cat like her. But, apparently, they talk among themselves somewhere on their «cat radio,» and new ones keep coming to us. We try to find homes for all of them if possible. But we also can't do without them anymore. After Anfisa, we lived for a year without «cat supervision,» and we simply had a mouse infestation.
Today, two cats live in the gallery — Laŭryk and Čarnuška.
Laŭryk is young, energetic. In a year, he's grown so much that he's become a true Laŭrencij,» the director smiles, talking about her favorites.
«Čarnuška is a calm, wise cat who just eats and sleeps, and sometimes, when in the mood, guides people through the exhibition.»
Comments