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 woman with an ethereal, calm expression, her eyes gazing directly at the viewer. She is dressed in a vibrant red outfit adorned with circular elements and patterns, suggesting a richly embroidered texture. Her attire includes a unique headdress that resembles a complex, mechanical assembly, featuring what looks like wooden panels, gears, and parts that hint at a steampunk influence. This headpiece partially encircles her face and adds an enigmatic quality to her character. In her right hand, she delicately holds a small globe, luminous and containing a miniature landscape, which beautifully contrasts with the deep blues of the background and the intense red of her dress. The background itself is quite simple, emphasizing the subject and the details of her costume and accessories. The painting exudes a sense of mystery and an almost surreal quality, inviting the viewer to ponder the narrative or symbolism behind the imagery.
