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 artwork depicts a frenzied, colorful scene reminiscent of childhood play in urban settings. The painting uses a vibrant array of colors including bright pinks, purples, blues, and reds, set against earthier tones that might suggest pavement or walls. The forms are abstract, almost fragmented, like reflections in a shattered mirror, capturing the dynamic movement and chaos of children at play. Abstract human figures and ambiguous shapes suggest running, jumping, and perhaps ball games, evoking a sense of lively interaction and movement throughout the canvas. Lines crisscross and overlap, adding to the sense of crowded, energetic activity reminiscent of games played in narrow city streets.
