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 depicts an abstract composition where the main focus is on mosaic-like figures constructed from multiple square and rectangular blocks of muted yet warm colors including beige, orange, yellow, black, and hints of blue and green. These blocks create a trio of formless, overlapping figures that appear interconnected. The figures are set against a textured, neutral background which is mostly a light beige, with visible brushstrokes adding depth and character to the surface. There's a suggestion of a sunset through the use of yellow and orange hues, especially where the colors become more vibrant and intense, presumably depicting the light from the sun. The use of geometry and color blocks contributes to a sense of organized chaos and abstract representation of human forms in a tranquil, yet emotionally resonant setting. The forms seem to be legless, or perhaps they blend seamlessly into the lower part of the artwork, playing with the viewer's perception of space and grounding. The overall mood of the piece is contemplative and subtly vibrant, inviting viewers to interpret the interplay of shapes and colors through their own emotional and cognitive filters.
