Rytas Jurgelis, a prominent Lithuanian artist, has been a member of the Union of Lithuanian Artists since 1995. Over the course of his career, he has held almost thirty solo exhibitions, presenting his work throughout Lithuania and abroad. His ongoing engagement with the arts scene underscores both his substantial contribution and the recognition he has earned within the artistic community.
Jurgelis’s paintings stand out for their distinct treatment of color and texture and for his steadfast admiration of geometric shapes, particularly the square. This combination produces an impressive range of artwork, yet there remains a gentle lyricism unmistakable in his style. By repeatedly incorporating squares, he brings both structure and formal clarity to his compositions.
Instead of emphasizing color contrasts, Jurgelis seeks harmony and the combined effect of hues. In his art, color becomes a vehicle for conveying emotional states, enriched by the tangible specifics of oil paint. He highlights the material nature of his medium through various finishes—matte or glossy—as well as through texture, sgraffito, and pronounced relief. Through a careful process of adding layer upon layer, he achieves surfaces that distinctly display their method of creation, appealing to both the eye and the touch.
These densely layered, textured surfaces do more than create unique visual and emotional environments—they also suggest connections to other senses, like taste or scent. Each square field in his paintings serves as a platform for emotional interplay or unspoken stories, encouraging viewers to interpret them through the lens of their own experience. Jurgelis subtly directs the viewer’s response with gentle hints, while deliberately maintaining ample room for personal interpretation and emotional engagement.
About this artwork+
The painting depicts a somewhat abstract and textured scene with rich earthy tones and a play of various materials. On the left half, a large, slightly curved structure composed of various shades of brown and neutral colors creates a striking vertical presence on a deeply textured background, giving a tactile sense. The structure appears segmented, almost like layers or bricks. To the right, there is a similar form but constructed with lighter patches, possibly representing a contrast or a different materiality. A simple blue line horizontally cuts through the midpoint of the canvas, bringing a splash of color to the dominantly brown and white scheme. Below this line, a portion of white with rough and scraped textures possibly represents the title's "white house," though it's rendered abstractly. A dark, amorphous shape sits alone near the lower edge on the white segment, pulling the gaze with its stark contrast. Above the blue line is a circular form with a ring around it, painted in a lighter, golden tone, which hangs delicately, almost like an abstract representation of a celestial body or a metaphoric element. The overall mood feels serene yet mystically charged, evoking a sense of contemplation or spiritual resonance. The style and composition suggest a fusion of abstract expressionism with symbolic elements, inviting viewers to explore personal interpretations.
