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 features a simple yet intriguing composition set against a dark red, almost maroon background. Prominent in the artwork is a white textured vertical form resembling part of a column or architectural fragment positioned centrally. This main element is highlighted with bold, impasto strokes of white paint, giving it a tangible texture that stands out. To its left hangs a series of three black spherical objects, each attached by a thin, wavy stem that connects to a drooping, arc-shaped line, possibly depicting a vine or some organic growth, shadowed with hints of green. Below these central images is a solidly painted horizontal stretch, indicating a surface or base in deep brown and black shades, complementing the darker palette above. There are touches of green and red, potentially the suggestion of small items or minimal reflections of light. The lower section of the canvas introduces a patchwork of more muted colors such as beige, off-white, and gray blocks, adding balance and contrast to the assertive texture of the white form. Altogether, the composition plays with elements of decay and growth, balancing the starkness of architectural elements with hints of naturally drooping forms, rendered in a palette that feels organic yet subdued. The heavy textural painting technique adds depth and interest, inviting viewers to ponder the interplay between the various elements and textures.
