Artwork in the room
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+
The painting depicts a whimsical figure adorned with a mix of traditional and fantastical elements. The character, likely a woman, is centered in the artwork and appears to be moving forward, as suggested by the dynamic swirls and the positioning of her body. Her expression is serene and contemplative. She wears an elaborate dress that seems both armored and ornate, incorporating gears, belts, and floral designs, which give her a steampunk aesthetic. Around her, various objects contribute to a sense of a journey or voyage: vintage suitcases, books, a globe, and navigational tools like a compass. A delicate feather in her hair and a small bird perched nearby add a touch of nature and softness to the composition. The background is lightly colored, allowing the richer, darker tones of the figure and her accoutrements to stand out, emphasizing a narrative of adventure and return. The overall feel of the painting is a blending of history, fantasy, and personal journey.
