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 by Daiva Staškevičienė, titled "Illusionist," is rich in color and detail. It features a surreal portrait of a figure sitting with a large, elaborate collar and a fascinating, multi-layered skirt that sprawls across the canvas. The figure's hair is arranged in a creative and whimsical fashion with various objects and designs seemingly floating around it. The background is a bold gold, setting a regal yet whimsical tone. Above the figure, there is a whimsically balanced house tied to string, elevating the sense of illusion. Objects like a teapot and small chair contribute to a dream-like atmosphere. Staškevičienė’s style combines elements of surrealism and realism with a distinct, imaginative touch. Her use of vibrant colors and detailed textures adds depth and intrigue to the scene, inviting viewers to explore a world where the boundaries of reality are playfully blurred.
