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+
This painting by Rytas Jurgelis, titled "With a White Bridge," is intriguing. The canvas is dominated by dark colors with a heavy, almost black backdrop. In the center, there's a vivid contrast with a patch of white and bright blue, perhaps indicating the titular white bridge. Flanking this are large, thick swaths of reddish-brown texture, adding a sense of depth and dimension. Jurgelis employs a very tactile, expressive style here. You can see the thick application of paint, creating a sense of movement and roughness. This technique might be his way of bringing out the emotional intensity of the scene. The use of contrasting colors and the heavy textures are typical of an expressionist approach, aiming to evoke feelings rather than depict reality precisely.
