Twinkling Networks, Invisible Ties: On the Unofficial Contacts of Byelorussian Artists in the 1980s

This article presents the first results of research on the unofficial contacts between Byelorussian artists and those from former USSR republics and from neighboring countries in the 1980s. In this period marked by perestroika, the contacts between USSR republics multiplied—indeed, official travel for the purpose of “sharing experiences” date from this very time. At the same time, unofficial art increased its visibility, something that was inspiring and frightening at the same time. The article will deal with Estonian and Polish lines of contacts, which could be seen as the example of the logic and tactics involved in the networks of the era.