Artwork in the room
Rūta Levulienė is an artist whose paintings investigate the connections among the environment, nature, and people. In her work, she addresses themes of fresh air and the vital bond linking humanity to the natural world. Drawing on motifs from a distilled reality and utilizing sources such as photographs, internet imagery, and video materials, she weaves intricate and meaningful dialogues between humans and nature.
In her creative process, Levulienė combines elements of fragmentation and unity within these relationships. Frequently, her compositions feature fragmented spaces and figures, highlighting the apparent separation between humans and nature. At other times, she leans towards depicting more peaceful and solid spaces that evoke a sense of harmony and calm. This interplay is characteristic of her style, balancing dynamic energy with tranquil moments.
Her painting technique is just as expressive, making use of both thick, pastose brushstrokes and delicate, thin layers of paint. Levulienė often rubs pigment into the canvas, resulting in a tactile surface that recalls the invigorating feeling of fresh air. Through this sensory approach, her works convey rejuvenation and visually depict emotional renewal—what she refers to as refreshment for the soul.
Rūta Levulienė's art has been shown in Lithuania, Ireland, Norway, and the United States. She has presented nine solo exhibitions, participated in twenty group shows, and joined eight plein air painting events, underscoring her active presence within both local and international art communities.
About this artwork+
The painting presents a visually fragmented composition, centered around a glass bottle that acts almost as a mirror or lens, distorting and dividing what lies behind it. Through the clear cylinder of the bottle, we see a sharply detailed face, possibly of a man, rendered with an elongated nose and noticeable lips marked by a distinctive red color, suggesting lipstick. This face is bifurcated by the edges of the bottle, creating a surreal and almost cubist effect. The person seems to be in an indoor setting suggested by architectural elements like arched structures lightly hinted at in the background. Around the bottle, the scene becomes more abstract and painterly, dominated by green and earthy tones that might suggest a connection to nature or a less urban setting—perhaps a garden or a park. These areas are less defined, allowing the viewer's eye to focus primarily on the detailed, expressive face within the bottle's confines. The use of lighting and shadows around the face gives it a three-dimensional appearance, adding depth and intensity to the overall muted color palette of the painting. This artistic choice might be prompting viewers to focus on personal reflection or distortion through societal lenses.
