If rookie art-ignorant burglars attempted to rob the National Art Museum in Minsk, they would hardly be tempted by this painting. For them, “Humno” (‘Barn’) by Barys Zaborau would be no more eye-catchy than a piece of old faded wall-paper. However, to the robbers’ utter surprise, the work turns out to be one of the most valuable recent acquisitions of the main Belarusian art museum.

Paintings by Barys Zaborau can be found in galleries and museums around the world. However, it took Belarus, Zaborau’s homeland, almost 30 years to recognise his talent. In February 2009 “Humno” received its place in the main exposition of the National Art Museum. “The ceremony was organized well and rather pompously”, says Barys Zaborau half-jokingly. “30 years ago I was showed the country’s door with almost the same degree of pomposity”, adds the artist.