Artwork in the room
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+
In "Angel Travelers" by Rytas Jurgelis, we see an abstract and vivid portrayal of figures that emerge jauntily against a deeply textured, dark background. The figures, which dominate the canvas, are rendered in rich, warm hues of red with patches of green, yellow, and other colors hinted at beneath a complex, mottled surface. The tactile quality of the paint is heavy and deliberate, giving a sculptural feel to the image. A detailed, patchwork-like pattern can be discerned on what appears to be wings attached to one of the figures, suggesting movement and a blend of the ethereal with the earthly. The shapes are rounded, organic, and somewhat otherworldly, evoking a sense of mythical beings on a journey. The occasional splashes and flecks of color throughout the scene imply a dynamic, almost celestial energy pervading the atmosphere around the travelers. The overall composition is mystical, inviting viewers to contemplate the narrative or symbolic journey these angelic figures might be undertaking.




















