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 features bold red shapes against a dark, textured background that suggests an almost shadowy atmosphere. The red shapes appear to be abstract representations of people and objects. On the left, there is a larger figure topped with what could be interpreted as a crown, signaling a figure of authority or festivity, perhaps a king or celebratory character. Beside it stands a slightly smaller figure, less elaborately decorated, possibly a companion or another significant figure in the scene. The connection between these two main figures is emphasized by a series of lines and patterns that flow between them. These may represent communication, bonds, or flows of energy. Below these figures, there's a structured series of red dots arrayed in rows, which could suggest a crowd gathered, looking up at these prominent figures, or a field of elements that add to the celebratory nature of the scene. Overall, the bold red on a dark background creates a striking contrast, imbuing the piece with a vibrant, almost pulsating energy that befits the title "Celebration." The abstract nature of the depiction leaves much to interpretation, inviting the viewer to decipher personal meanings from the forms and their interconnections.
