Šarūnas Šarkauskas, born in 1967 in Kaunas, began developing his artistic abilities at a local four-year art school. Although his subsequent efforts to obtain a formal art education were unsuccessful, painting has continued to be a steadfast and lifelong pursuit for him.
Šarkauskas has held exhibitions in both Vilnius and Kaunas over the course of his career, consistently attracting the interest of attendees. His shows are seen as successful, with visitors drawn in by the unique style and vibrancy present in his art.
The artist himself openly discusses his complicated bond with painting, jokingly stating, "I tried to escape from painting, but it keeps catching up with me." This remark captures the abiding and passionate tie he has to his artistic work.
Museologist Audronė Meškauskaitė has characterized Šarkauskas’ paintings as exuberant with color, marked by bright, joyful contrasts. In her view, his clear and transparent brushstrokes impart a sense of lightness and balance, allowing the elements of his compositions to come together in an unexpectedly harmonious way.
About this artwork+
This painting by Šarūnas Šarkauskas, titled "Bridge across the river II," is quite captivating. It features a mix of abstract and figurative elements arranged in a somewhat grid-like structure. Vibrant colors and diverse textures fill the canvas, creating a lively visual experience. The structure in the artwork appears to be a bridge, constructed from various colorful and patterned segments. Each piece seems to carry its own story, contributing to a mosaic of experiences or memories. In the top right corner, a bright yellow circle, possibly the sun, adds a burst of energy to the scene. Šarkauskas utilizes a textured style, layering and mixing paints to give depth and tactile quality. This method enhances the abstract qualities of the work, inviting viewers to interpret the imagery based on their perspectives. The splashes of paint and use of what seems like collage techniques give the artwork a dynamic and somewhat whimsical character. Overall, the painting invites exploration and contemplation, typical of Šarūnas Šarkauskas' approach to art. His work often embraces complexity through simple forms, making the ordinary appear extraordinary through his artistic lens.
