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+
The painting depicts a vibrant and chaotic carousel, bursting with colors and dynamic, swirling forms. At the center, radiant lines converge to form a starburst, suggesting the spinning motion of the carousel. Around this focal point, various fantastical creatures and figures emerge, including horses, birds, and possibly mythological beings, all rendered in an array of hues from deep reds to cool blues and greens. The movement is palpable, as if each figure and element is caught in mid-twirl, contributing to the overall impression of a lively, almost dizzying ride. The background blends seamlessly with the figures, enhancing the sense of depth and motion within the carousel's whirl. The use of color and form creates a dreamlike atmosphere, inviting the viewer to lose themselves in the carnival-esque spectacle.
