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 "Palmyra," shows a young woman with a striking gaze. Her head is adorned with a richly decorated cap, featuring delicate lace and jewelry, and vibrant patterns reminiscent of traditional folk art. The intense, almost haunting eyes of the woman draw the viewer directly into her gaze, suggesting depth and a quiet intensity. The style used in this artwork is detailed and ornate, blending realistic elements of portrait painting with a more imaginative, fantastical approach in the accessories and textures. Daiva Staškevičienė uses bright colors against a dark background to create a strong contrast. This not only highlights the subject but also adds a dramatic effect to the overall composition. The embellishments and use of color show a blend of possibly historical and imaginative influences, giving the painting a timeless feel.
