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+
This painting features a haunting and mystical scene set in a forest bathed in shades of red and blue. A large, serene face of a woman dominates the canvas, covered by a red shroud. Her eyes are closed, and she seems to be either dreaming or meditating. Cradled in her arms is a vivid, chaotic bundle of flowers, almost igniting with their own inner light. Surrounding her are various small figures, possibly spirits, with bright and expressionless faces. A white rabbit, large and almost luminous, sits prominently at the bottom right. It adds a sense of liveliness and movement to the scene. Trees punctuate the background, their trunks stark against softer surroundings. There are also little details like hanging lanterns and a floating figure that contribute to the painting's dream-like quality. Aurelija Kairytė Smolianskienė has used a surreal style. Her brushwork and the blurring of lines create a sense of motion and ethereality. The choice of colors—dominant reds with touches of blues and whites—enhances the mystical and somewhat eerie atmosphere. The style could be described as a blend of surrealism and symbolism, engaging deeply with themes of nature, humanity, and perhaps spirituality.
