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 depicts a slender woman with striking, long red hair that cascades down her shoulders and back in waves. Her skin is portrayed with light, almost translucent tones, and she stands subtly angling her body, giving us a three-quarters view. The background is a mixed wash of muted green hues, possibly suggesting a vague, abstract forest or a curtain of greenery. Beside her and slightly in the foreground, a white abstract figure resembling a skeletal deer appears, contributing an element of the surreal to the scene. Her facial features are finely drawn, with a somber expression and one eye noticeably larger and more detailed, adding a sense of emotional depth or introspection. Her Lips are dark and defined and she seems to be looking out, her gaze directed away from the viewer, lending an air of mystery and contemplation. The setting and her posture evoke a story-like or dream-like quality, suggesting introspection or perhaps a deep connection with the nature around her. Her presence is ghostly, yet vivid within the cloaking, serene wash of greens, somehow both blending in and standing out.
