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+
The painting titled "Figure - Light" by Rytas Jurgelis portrays a surrealist scene dominated by rich, deep red and brown tones. Two abstract forms resembling human figures are the focal points of the composition. The figure on the left appears fractured and vivid with patches of yellow and white, suggesting light playing on its surface. Visible are contours that hint at a draped cloak or a fragmented shell, comprised of organic and angular segments. The right figure, paler, suggests a smoother texture and is less distinct, hinting at a process of fading or becoming ethereal against the darker background. Between and around these figures, the background unfolds in a complex layer of symbols and etched patterns, creating a mosaic of perhaps symbolic or cryptic significance. These markings seem to float across the canvas, contributing to a sense of depth and ancient script in a mysterious, dark environment. The overall effect is enigmatic, drawing the viewer into a dialogue between illumination and obscurity, presence and absence.
