Artwork in the room
Motiejus Stonys is an artist whose path to painting began in an entirely unplanned way. It all started with a simple household accident: a water pipe broke. While on the hunt for replacement parts, Stonys happened upon a discounted box of acrylic paints. This accidental discovery sparked a sudden urge to reawaken his creative side. What began as a mere distraction from plumbing repairs soon developed into a deep passion, unleashing a torrent of ideas and images demanding to be transferred to canvas. The mishap resulted in more than just a physical mess; it also marked the beginning of a new and vibrant phase in his creative life.
Stonys’ artistic practice provides a distinctive lens through which to experience the world’s richness and intricacy. His paintings are recognized for their impulsive and unpredictable qualities, with each canvas capturing a particular instant or scenario. He frequently introduces unusual figures and their activities, infusing his works with intrigue and an unpredictable, story-like quality. For Stonys, inspiration typically appears out of nowhere, resulting in bold compositions that often take even him by surprise.
For Stonys, the act of creating is as ever-changing as the paintings themselves. His works regularly shift and transform before reaching their final state, with new modifications and ideas emerging in brief moments of inspiration. This ongoing process of reassessment and adjustment renders his artworks “alive,” evolving continuously until a title is finally assigned. Such a method guarantees that each piece truly mirrors a creative evolution, filled with energy and motion.
Adding a personal and whimsical dimension, every work by Motiejus Stonys is signed by his dog, Baba. More than a signature, Baba is an essential member of the studio, serving both as a supervisor and a source of inspiration. The artist deeply values her discernment, making sure that each painting measures up to her approval before it is complete. Baba’s presence infuses the studio with companionship, playfulness, and genuineness, enriching not only the working process but also the very spirit of Stonys’ singular artistic vision.
About this artwork+
In the surreal painting "Triangle" by Motiejus Stonys, there is a central abstract creature resembling a whimsical, exaggerated animal form, set against a background divided distinctly into a sky and ground plane. The animal figure has an unusual, elongated shape with a pale, peach-toned body and a light brown, bushy texture on its back, reminiscent of an animal’s fur. On its torso, there are two dark, teardrop-shaped spots and a notable triangular object just below its midsection, presumably the triangle referenced in the title. Resting atop this creature is an oversized, dark red bulb or flower-like element, which adds to the whimsicality and surreal nature of the image. The creature's head is distinctively dog-like, with a protruding snout and long, drooping ears, creating a somewhat melancholic expression. It stands, or perhaps floats, over a large, floating black mass that is disturbingly akin to a shroud or cloud, within which there is another face-like form. This eerie face peering out has subtle, closed eyes and a slightly revealed mouth, adding a layer of mysterious, almost ominous narrative to the scene. The surrounding sky is rendered in dark, moody blue hues with wispy clouds, contrasting with the brighter and warmer tones of the ground. The word "BABA" floats in the sky, further contributing to the enigmatic and dream-like quality of the composition. The painting invites interpretations of its symbolic elements, playing with themes of perception, form, and the subconscious.
