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+
This painting by Rytas Jurgelis, titled "Figure by the River," exhibits a compelling use of texture and color. The artwork is dominated by thick, tactile applications of paint, creating a rough surface. Dark tones make up most of the scene, setting a somber, introspective mood. Vivid splashes of yellow and blue add depth and intrigue. Jurgelis utilizes a heavily abstract style. The figure, which is central in the image, is not clearly defined, blending almost seamlessly with its surroundings. This choice might suggest a harmony between the figure and the natural environment. The overall composition is less about depicting a literal scene and more about evoking an emotion or idea. Jurgelis’s approach here is modern and experimental, challenging traditional perspectives on how figures and landscapes can be represented in art. The texture and color usage are particularly striking, leaving the viewer to ponder the relationship between the figure and the dark expanse around it.
