BGAMLI virtual exhibition dedicated to the 120th anniversary of Mikhas Vasilyok

November 14, 2025, marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of the Belarusian poet Mikhas Vasilyok (1905–1960), one of the last representatives of late Romanticism in Belarusian literature. The poet’s real name was Mikhail Osipovich Kostevich. He was born in the village of Bobrovnya in what is now the Grodno Region. During the interwar period, he actively participated in the national liberation struggle of the people of Western Belarus against Polish rule. During World War II, he was captured by the Germans, and after escaping, he headed the underground Skidel Anti-Fascist Committee. In the postwar years, he worked for newspapers and led a literary circle. Vasil Bykov became one of his students and followers.

In addition to current socio-political themes, Mikhas Vasilko’s poetry is characterized by lyricism, a reliance on folk motifs, and classical rhyme. Interestingly, during the Soviet period, he actively supported socialist reforms, but responded to abuses with sharp satire, glorifying ordinary people.

For the staff of the Belarusian State Archives and Museum of Literature and Art, the name of Mikhas Vasilko has always held special significance. Documents from the poet’s personal life formed one of the institution’s first collections and are thus inextricably linked to its early history.

To mark the 120th anniversary of the poet’s birth, the archives and museum have prepared a virtual exhibition, «I Early Learned», featuring digital images of the poet’s original manuscripts, official documents, and rare photographs. One of the exhibition’s main goals is to popularize his work. Users can choose a poem or a suitable quote from his works that speaks to them.

You can explore the virtual exhibition «I Was Early» by following this link.

One of Mikhas Vasylyok’s rare personal photographs, 1930s.