RaiMau, whose given name is Romas Usavičius, is an artist who was born and grew up in Vilnius. After spending several years abroad, he made his return to Lithuania in the summer of 2018. Now living close to nature, RaiMau finds that his surroundings may shape both his creative perspective and his relationship with the environment.
For the artist, painting serves as a gateway to his inner self, a quality reflected throughout his varied collection of works. RaiMau demonstrates a wide range of genres—from still lifes to abstract compositions—revealing both his adaptability and inquisitive spirit. Through his art, he strives to depict captivating objects, significant locations, and transitory feelings.
Experimentation is at the heart of RaiMau’s artistic approach. He eagerly explores new techniques and materials, often integrating everyday items, old photographs, and vintage newspapers into his pieces. This openness to new experiences enables him to broaden his range of artistic expression and constantly redefine the limits of his work.
The motif of the window often recurs in RaiMau’s creations, serving both literal and symbolic purposes. At times, figures from old photographs gaze out from behind these windows; in other instances, RaiMau illustrates the lives of unknown individuals seen through them. The window, for him, has evolved into a symbol of entry into the worlds and inner lives of others, deepening the stories woven into his art.
About this artwork+
In this painting titled "Story of Clothes Nr. 1" by RaiMau, the viewer is invited into a visually textured, abstracted space that evokes themes of presence and absence. The canvas depicts a large, teal-blue shirt hung on a hanger, floating against a weathered wall that is a contrast of teal and beige patches. The shirt, detailed with yellow buttons and a subtle shadow, suggests a human absence, hinting at a narrative of the clothes' owner. Accompanying the shirt on the wall are three framed images: a keyboard instrument, a stemmed glass with a violet liquid, and a pair of pink tulips. Each frame contributes to creating a possibly symbolic or narrative connection, potentially tied to leisure, time, and beauty. Below, on a greenish-yellow floor, stands a solitary chair. The chair, made of wood painted in a checkered pattern of white and black stripes, has a worn look that complements the worn texture of the wall. Positioned carefully by the chair is a pair of black shoes, slightly worn, pointing outward, as if just removed and left there by their owner. Each element—from the hanging shirt to the adorned frames, the patterned chair, and the deserted shoes—works together to craft a story about its unseen character. The setting evokes a quiet, contemplative space filled with personal history and emotional depth. The use of vibrant and contrasting colors, along with the strategic placement of everyday objects, creates a narrative that pulls the viewer into its intimate, mysterious world.
