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 "Between the Blooms" by Rytas Jurgelis, the painting depicts a variety of abstract shapes and forms set against a dark, textured background, which gives the impression of an aged wooden surface. The shapes themselves seem to be rendered in a rough, patchwork style of darker tones. The most prominent shapes resemble tall, interconnected forms that could be interpreted as stylized plants or mechanical elements. These forms are detailed with smaller, red blossoms scattered across their surfaces. In the foreground, there's a series of vertical, thin red strokes resembling growths or tender shoots rising from the base of the composition. A wavy red line arcs playfully above these vertical strokes, adding a sense of lightness and contrasting movement against the solid, geometric forms beneath. The overall usage of dark backdrop punctuated with bright red elements creates a striking visual contrast, suggesting themes of life, growth, and resilience despite an ostensibly barren environment.
