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+
This painting, titled "Dora" by Daiva Staškevičienė, captures the portrait of a young woman with striking features. Her red hair is curly and wild, contrasting with her pale skin and thoughtful eyes. She wears a dark, striped garment that adds a mysterious charm to her appearance. The style used here is quite realistic, especially in the rendering of her face. Details like the soft blush on her cheeks and the texture of her hair show the artist's skill. However, there's a surreal quality too, coming from her intense gaze and the unusual collar. The frame surrounding the painting is ornate and dark, which accentuates the artwork's classic feel. Staškevičienė has blended traditional techniques with a unique character portrayal, giving the piece a timeless yet contemporary edge.
