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 portrays a whimsical figure that blends human and avian elements, creating an imaginative hybrid creature. It features the detailed profile of a face that appears both contemplative and serene, with eyes gazing to the side. The creature is decked in intricate armor that seems both ornate and mechanical, suggesting a fusion of ancient and futuristic styles. Notably, the armor is adorned with gears, chains, and symbolic elements like crosses and circles, possibly indicating a theme of transcendence or protection. Feathery wings sprout from the figure, imbued with soft colors that contrast with the starkness of the mechanical parts. These wings, along with the dynamic posture of the figure, give a sense of motion—as if it is poised to take flight. The overall composition is enigmatic, inviting viewers to ponder over its mythical or symbolic meanings. A faint outline of a cathedral-like structure in the background adds to the mystique, suggesting a narrative or a backdrop to the character's existence.
