Artwork in the room
Arvydas Martinaitis, a Lithuanian artist, was born into a prominent family of creators. As the son of the celebrated artist Antanas Martinaitis and the grandson of acclaimed cartoonist Jonas Martinaitis, he is the inheritor of a rich artistic legacy. He frequently contemplates this inheritance, observing that his family’s creative aspirations are “encoded” within him. Nevertheless, despite the significant influence of his ancestors, Arvydas is resolved to forge his own way in the art world, dedicating himself to his personal vision and experiences.
The artwork of Arvydas Martinaitis is instantly identifiable. His paintings are distinguished by intense colours, layered textures, and energetic brushwork. Bursting with vitality and intricacy, his pieces often depict an array of subjects—plants, houses, people, and animals, both real and imaginary. This sense of richness mirrors the artist’s own optimistic and lively inner character, drawing viewers into an exploration and discovery across every canvas.
For Martinaitis, conveying the emotion of the present moment holds the greatest significance. He maintains that art should arise from spontaneity rather than the mere replication of previous sketches, which, in his view, would lack spirit and energy. “The painting will have no spirit,” he insists, underlining the necessity of working swiftly and with emotion before those initial feelings dissipate. With this method, his works become vibrant, direct, and brimming with life, capturing the ephemeral sentiments that inspire them.
The act of sharing his creations with others is fundamental to Arvydas Martinaitis’s artistic process. Upon completing a piece, he feels compelled for his art to be appreciated outside the solitude of his studio. He asserts that the satisfaction of painting increases when others engage with his work. Through his vivid, dense, and animated compositions, Arvydas welcomes viewers to experience the joy and adventure within his art, hoping the resonance and inspiration it gives him will reach others as well.
About this artwork+
The painting features an abstract, somewhat chaotic blend of dark and vibrant tones creating an impression of a night scene teeming with avian and human forms. Brush strokes vary from thick and impastoed to smooth and sweeping, suggesting movement and energy. Dominant shades of brown, black, and blue set a somber mood, while splashes of white, red, and yellow add a dramatic contrast, hinting at light sources and reflections perhaps akin to street lamps or moonlight. The birds, depicted with both sharp and flowing lines, seem to merge and mingle with the human figures, blurring the boundaries between the animal and the human worlds. The figures, both human and avian, appear intertwined in a dance or gathering, creating a dynamic interaction. The environment suggests an urban setting with hints of architectural forms like buildings or bridges in the background, engulfed in the evening's shadows and illuminated sporadically by lively colors.
