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 bursts with vibrant, bold colors and abstract forms. On the left, two figures appear prominently. They are stylized and somewhat bird-like, with elongated, pointed shapes suggesting beaks or masks. These figures are rendered in vivid reds and oranges, contrasting sharply against a bright blue background. The central figure straddles the boundary between the human and the avian, sporting a singular, large eye at the center of its face, crowned with what seems to be a decorative, almost regal adornment. This figure merges blues, whites, and splashes of red, creating an intense visual focus. Scattered throughout the canvas are other elements that add to the abstract and surreal nature of the work. There are additional eyes and eye-like motifs that float freely or are attached to ambiguous forms, enhancing the theme of observation or perception that permeates the painting. The background and the rest of the space are filled with sweeping curves and organic shapes, painted in a mix of greens, blues, and hints of yellow, suggesting a lively, dynamic environment. This abstract landscape is both chaotic and captivating, with its elements seemingly in motion, inviting viewers to navigate through its colors and forms to interpret their connections and meanings.
