My name is Julija Kugytė. I was born and raised in Crimea within an ethnic Lithuanian family. The vivid colours and unique landscapes of my childhood—the blue sea, endless steppes, and rugged mountains—have deeply influenced my artistic perspective. These natural elements continue to inspire my artwork, shaping both the moods and the palettes I select for my paintings.
After relocating to Lithuania, I embarked on studies in fashion design. During my university years, I dedicated myself to painting fashion illustrations, creating portraits, and working on various clothing design projects. This education not only refined my technical abilities, but also inspired me to experiment with daring combinations of colours and textures throughout my artistic journey.
In recent times, I have become passionate about abstract painting. The act of abstraction brings me endless discovery; every painting presents a unique journey and a profound sense of freedom. By experimenting with a range of materials and tools, I am able to explore the interplay of colour harmonies, movement, and rhythm, pushing my imagination in surprising new directions.
I only consider a painting finished when it begins to suggest a narrative or story within its shapes. I warmly invite viewers to engage with my paintings and form their own interpretations, discovering meaning in the abstract patterns and vivid tones I present. My hope is that my artwork encourages others to see the beauty and storytelling potential found in colour and composition.
About this artwork+
The painting “Tokyo (polyptych)” by Julija Kugytė consists of four panels, each rendered with a blend of abstract forms and textures that convey a subtle urban atmosphere. The first panel on the top left features a light gray background with sporadic dark gray and rust-colored blotches along with a few droplet-like marks, creating an impression of gentle decay or weathering. Adjacent to it on the top right, the second panel comprises deeper browns and grays, with hints of blue, and a more dynamic interplay of color suggesting oxidation or even a cityscape viewed through a distorted lens. The bottom left panel echoes the textural complexity seen above but darkens in tone, integrating more distinct patches of black and white that may evoke images of urban structures obscured by shadows or fog. The final panel, bottom right, continues with the theme of dilapidation or urban texture, blending shades of gray and white with larger forms that could resemble parts of buildings or walls, all softened by wear. Together, these panels form a cohesive but complex visual narrative that invites interpretations of a city—perhaps Tokyo—as seen through the impacts of time and elements, simultaneously stark and immensely detailed.
