Artwork in the room
Aurelija Kairytė Smolianskienė is a painter whose artwork has been featured in numerous local exhibitions throughout Lithuania. She adeptly merges watercolour and oil on canvas, delving into the dynamic relationship between these two mediums to craft vibrant and harmonious compositions. By making deliberate choices in materials, she is able to experiment with both translucency and texture, producing paintings that capture delicate nuances of colour and form.
Residing on an animal farm nestled within the Lithuanian countryside, Aurelija is constantly surrounded by unspoiled forests and tranquil velvet lakes that inspire her artistic vision each day. The magical landscape and its wealth of natural beauty frequently appear as repeating motifs in her paintings. Moreover, local folk legends and the fantasies sparked by them nurture her imagination, playing a significant role in shaping her visual narratives.
Drawing extensively on her own experiences and emotions, Aurelija’s work remains deeply personal while also resonating with a wider audience. As an artist whose roots are grounded in rural Lithuania, she recognizes that her imagery defies straightforward interpretation, weaving together passing recollections, regional myths, and silent dreams. This sense of mystery encourages viewers to engage with her art through their own individual perspectives.
Academically trained in the arts, she completed her studies at the National School of Art. In 2008, Aurelija earned a Master of Arts degree from the Vilnius Academy of Arts in Lithuania, a significant achievement that has further fostered her development as an artist.
About this artwork+
In the painting "Carousel Ride" by Aurelija Kairytė Smolianskienė, a whimsical and vibrant scene unfolds, dominated by the festive atmosphere of a carousel ride. Central to the composition is a carousel, adorned with colorful lights and patterns, around which swirls an array of white swans portrayed both as part of the carousel and as free-floating elements within the scene. A large red balloon adds a bold touch of color in the upper right corner, seeming to float amidst the blue, textured background that suggests a lively, possibly evening sky. The carousel's rider, a figure with a prominent face marked by thoughtful, slightly wistful eyes and puckered lips, sits enveloped by the swans and the festive machinery. The face emerges from a cloak or hood, rich in red hues, and melds into the cacophony of colors and shapes that suggest movement and sound. This character appears introspective despite the joyous surroundings, adding a layer of complexity to the otherwise jubilant scene. The setting is further enriched by an undercurrent of lush, green foliage and floral elements, intertwining with the swans and the carousel’s structure, blurring lines between the man-made and the natural. The painting pulses with a dynamic mix of fantasy and reality, crafted through a blend of vivid brushstrokes and a lively palette, evoking feelings of nostalgia and the magic of a timeless fairground attraction.
