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 the painting titled "Family" by Rytas Jurgelis, there is an abstract depiction using vibrant and textured materials on a rich dark background. The main structure appears to be made from sections of colorful, possibly ceramic or mosaic pieces, predominantly in shades of yellow, with touches of blue and red. This structure is outlined and interconnected by what seems to be rough string or twine, defining the shape somewhat reminiscent of an airplane or a whimsical flying machine. The use of strings extends beyond the central figure, looping and stretching across the canvas, which may symbolize connections or bonds. The choice of bright, contrasting colors against the stark background and the playful, almost childlike assembly of elements might allude to themes of unity, creativity, and familial bonds. The overall composition is playful yet poignant, evoking a sense of joy and complexity inherent in family dynamics.
