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+
This painting by Rytas Jurgelis, titled "The Last Yellow," is very striking. It features a small, thickly painted object at the center of a dark background. The object seems like a heavy patch of paint, built up with energetic strokes. The colors used include white, red, blue, and a touch of yellow—the "last yellow"—that stands out vividly against the darker tones. Jurgelis has used an expressive style, focusing on texture and color contrast. This approach gives the painting a dynamic and tactile quality. It feels both abstract and immediate, inviting viewers to ponder what the "last yellow" might signify or represent within this bold splash of color. This piece is a great example of how Jurgelis uses minimalist compositions and thick paint to communicate intense emotions or ideas. Each stroke and color choice appears deliberate, capturing a moment of artistic expression.
