When it comes to firebrands of the 19th-century Belarusian nationalist movement, few are held in such high esteem as Kastus Kalinouski, the leader of the 1863 uprising against the Russian Empire. To commemorate the 175th anniversary of Kalinouski’s birth in February, RFE/RL’s Belarus Service invited listeners to submit original artwork inspired by the anticzarist patriot. The “I Love Belarus” competition received more than 200 entries. Here are some of the most popular. (8 PHOTOS)
Belarus: Art Contest Commemorates National Hero
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One listener inserted Belarusian poets, painters, and leaders of the nationalist movement into this iconic Beatles cover for the album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
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"Who do you love? I Love Belarus!" Important figures from Belarusian history are interwoven with the roots of a plant.
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One listener decided on a pop art portrait of Kalinouski.
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"Kastus Kalinouski -- a fighter for freedom."
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This poster juxtaposes Belarusian and Soviet figures and also asks the question, "Who do you love?" The answer, "I love Belarus," is written in both Russian and Belarusian.
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A contrast between the revolutionary environment of "Belarus in 1863" on the left vs. how the artist sees "Belarus today" on the right.
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This submission came from a 5-year-old girl and features the forbidden red and white flag of the Belarusian National Republic, the independent state that lasted for less than a year in 1918, and which also served as the country's flag from 1991-95.
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Fingers making a peace sign declare their love for Belarus.