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 "Near the Sea" by Rytas Jurgelis, the artwork displays a grid-like composition, seemingly divided into rough square and rectangular segments. Each segment features textured strokes primarily in shades of beige and dark blue. The beige suggests a sandy, earthy feel, likely representing the beach, while the dark blue streaks interspersed throughout the grid could signify the presence of water or the sea. The blue appears to be daubed or scraped across, with varying saturation and intensity, giving an impression of movement, possibly reflecting the unpredictable nature of water. The overall texture is rugged, suggesting the tactile feel of natural elements. The grid structure might symbolize a window or a fragmented view, perhaps implying a pieced-together or partial perspective of the seaside environment. The use of colors and textures evokes a coastal scene, abstractly captured through a structured yet dynamic composition.
