Daiva Staškevičienė, born in 1968 in Vilnius, is a Lithuanian artist known for her detailed and imaginative work.
Daiva Staškevičienė’s artistic journey began in childhood and later continued through formal studies, culminating in a Master’s degree in Graphic Art at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. Having studied under the prominent Lithuanian graphic artist Leonas Lagauskas, her work is grounded in precision, structure, and strong composition.
Her graphic work is highly detailed, yet it goes beyond technical skill. Carefully constructed scenes open into a symbolic, subtly surreal world, where elements drawn from imagination, nature, and folklore emerge gradually. Each work reveals new layers over time.
Alongside printmaking, she has developed a strong painting practice. Working in oil, Staškevičienė employs the glazing technique, building her images through thin, translucent layers to create a rich sense of materiality. Her figures—faces that do not represent specific individuals—feel timeless and slightly mythical. Set against nearly flat, undefined backgrounds, they seem to float between surface and space.
Her work connects to the ideas of André Breton, who described surrealism as a meeting point between dream and reality. In her work, this connection appears gently, creating images that feel both familiar and subtly uncanny.
Graphic works are produced in limited editions, while paintings are unique pieces, making them especially valued by collectors.
About this artwork+
In this painting called "Ausreja" by Daiva Staškevičienė, a woman's profile is depicted against a vivid red background. The artist has painted her with a soft, pale complexion and serene expression. Intriguingly, her head seems part mechanical. Complex machinery and ornaments replace her hair, blending organic and mechanical themes. This striking juxtaposition is rendered in rich, vibrant colors. Staškevičienė's style here is detailed and realistic, especially in her depiction of the woman's facial features and the mechanical parts. This blend of realism with elements of fantasy highlights an imaginative approach, exploring themes of identity or transformation. The ornate frame around the painting adds an extra layer of classical elegance, emphasizing the artwork's impactful visual statement. Staškevičienė’s work is both captivating and thought-provoking, melding the natural with the artificial in a seamless portrayal.
