Arvydas Kašauskas was born in 1959 in Vilnius. From 1977 to 1982, he studied fresco and mosaic at the Vilnius Academy of Arts.
“The quality of art remains a matter of the author’s ambition and integrity,” says Kašauskas. In simple terms, art is good when the artist cares and stays honest.
Kašauskas was trained in monumental art—a discipline focused on scale, structure, and permanence. This background still shapes his work today. He approaches painting not as simple depiction, but as construction: each piece is built, carrying a sense of weight and space.
After the fall of the Soviet regime, he began working independently, moving from public, state-commissioned frescoes to more intimate canvas works. While the scale changed, his material approach remained.
Paint is not just applied—it is scraped, pressed, and layered, creating dense, tactile surfaces. His work balances control with unpredictability.
Looking back, Kašauskas describes his early artistic drive as a search for “a brighter, more compelling life,” shaped by a time when art held a distinct cultural role.
Today, he sees creativity as something open to everyone—not limited to artists, but available to anyone shaping their life with intention.
Landscape remains a constant in his work. Often painting outdoors, he draws from the energy of place and shared creative experience. Even in abstraction, nature is still present—reduced to rhythm, form, and space.
For Kašauskas, every painting is, ultimately, an abstraction.
About this artwork+
The painting depicts a serene and picturesque scene of Venice. In the foreground, three gondolas float gently on the shimmering green waters, their dark hues contrasting with the light aquatic tones. The middle gondola is covered, hinting at a readiness for passengers seeking shelter or privacy. This trio of boats is moored to a series of wooden posts that jut out of the water, providing an orderly framework within the fluidity of the lagoon. Beyond the moored gondolas and slightly to the left, a small wooden dock with a simple railing invites onlookers or passengers to step aboard for a Venetian adventure. The background features a panoramic view of the iconic Venetian skyline characterized by warm, earthy colors. Prominent in this cityscape is a tall bell tower and a classical dome, landmarks that are softly illuminated by a serene sky, implying either early morning or late afternoon light. Overall, the composition captures Venice’s tranquil yet splendid spirit, painted with bold, discernible strokes that give texture and vibrancy to the Venetian atmosphere.
