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Artwork in the room

Gerda Grigaliūnaitė

Gerda Grigaliūnaitė(77)

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Gerda Grigaliūnaitė is an artist whose creative path began in her childhood, shaped by the hours she spent in her father’s art studio. From an early age, her parents fostered her appreciation for art and encouraged her to pursue formal training. Gerda’s initial studies took place at the Adomas Brakas School of Art, where she developed foundational skills, which were later deepened during her time at Gray's School of Art at Robert Gordon University, helping to define her artistic vision and identity.

While at university, Gerda started to treat her paintings and illustrations as a form of visual diary, capturing glimpses of reality infused with imaginative elements. What sets her apart is her frequent use of animals instead of human figures in her works. These animals, depicted in recognizable situations or engaging in common activities—such as receiving diplomas or taking selfies—allow Gerda to explore her identity in ways that are both personal and relatable.

In Gerda's creations, animals are more than mere stand-ins for people; they serve as representations of aspects of the artist’s own character. By portraying animals in familiar, human-like scenarios, she crafts scenes with broad appeal. These creatures, at once playful and thoughtful, encourage viewers to identify with them, creating a meaningful connection that bridges the gap between artist and audience and renders her art universally engaging.

Gerda Grigaliūnaitė’s singular style and storytelling have brought her recognition within the art community. Her work has been shown at significant exhibitions such as New Designers 2019 in London, as well as at major art fairs in Lithuania including the Jurassic Festival in Klaipėda and Vilnius Days. These exhibitions have enabled Gerda to present her visual diaries to a broader public, emphasizing her distinctive talent and creative voice.

About this artwork+

The painting presents a split imagery that ties together elements associated with fire and nature. On one side, there’s a serene landscape with a prominent red rock formation amidst a desert, under a bright blue sky. The scene includes small blue flowers and a distant structure, possibly a chapel, suggesting a quiet, isolated environment. Floating against this backdrop are three delicate dandelion seeds. Opposite, a striking contrast features a vibrant yellow dandelion flower and a close-up of a dandelion in its seed stage, capturing the moment some seeds begin to drift away. Adjacent to this is an image of a burning match, its flame alive and glowing intensely. This section also includes golden, crystalline structures scattered around the base of the match, further emphasizing the theme of fire. The central piece that connects these two opposing elements is an oval image that focuses on a reptilian creature, possibly a salamander, which historically symbolizes fire, set against a dark, fiery-colored backdrop. Collectively, these elements reflect on the natural cycles of growth, destruction, and rebirth, symbolized through fire and flora.