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 a rich, tactile surface with thick layers of textured paint applied in an abstract manner. Various shades dominate distinct sections of the canvas; dark grays and blacks occupy the upper-right quadrant, giving a sense of depth and shadow. Moving left, browns, rust, and touches of red suggest organic forms, perhaps elements of a rough, natural terrain or decaying structures. A solitary expanse of lighter gray, resembling a clouded sky or mist, extends across the middle, contrasting starkly with a vibrant yellow-gold that emerges powerfully at the bottom right, evoking the glow of sunlight or the warmth of a setting sun. Flecks of blue and red throughout add dimension and intrigue, suggesting small details or hidden elements within a larger, obscured vista. The overall effect is one of dynamic movement and raw, emotional impact, inviting viewers to interpret the landscape through their own emotional and sensory responses.
