Artwork in the room
Vilma Petrauskaitė was born on April 7, 1971, in the village of Vizgirdai. She graduated from Georgia High School in 1989. Although she had long aspired to be an artist, it was not until nineteen years later that she pursued this path professionally by enrolling in the Faculty of Arts at Šiauliai University.
At Šiauliai University, Vilma specialized in Fine Arts (Graphics), earning her bachelor’s degree between 2007 and 2011. She went on to attain a master’s degree in Painting at the same university, studying from 2011 to 2013. These academic experiences provided her with a strong grounding in both graphic arts and painting, broadening the scope of her artistic expression.
Vilma Petrauskaitė has been a member of the Artists' Union since 2017. Her work is primarily centered on portraiture and the human figure, with a particular emphasis on characteristic portraits of everyday individuals. Rather than simply depicting her subjects, she aims to undertake what she calls a “study of the human soul.” Through her portraits, Vilma seeks to reflect profound and sometimes enigmatic aspects of personality and existence.
Throughout her artistic process, Vilma endeavors to create psychological resonance and a sense of intimacy by employing vibrant colors and expressive brushwork. She considers preserving the memory of loved ones to be one of portraiture’s greatest roles. The emotional depth and storytelling present in her artworks move beyond the merely representational, inviting viewers to explore the psychological and existential inner worlds of her subjects. Over the course of her career, she has mounted several solo exhibitions and has taken part in many group shows and plein-air events.
About this artwork+
In the painting, two figures are depicted, an adult and a child, set against a richly textured and colorful background. The faces are rendered with gentle, softened edges, bearing calm and serene expressions, which evoke a sense of silent communication and affection between them. The adult, seemingly a female, sports a subtle smile, her features elongated and peaceful, as she embraces the child. The child, dressed in a striking green outfit that stands out against the more subdued colors of the scene, has large, thoughtful eyes, and a faintly discernable expression that appears reflective or contemplative. The background features an abstract pattern of vertical and horizontal blocks with varied hues of orange, blue, and grey, suggesting a possibly urban environment. The overall palette is dominated by blues and greens, punctuated with touches of bright yellows and deep reds, creating a soothing yet dynamic visual experience. The brushwork is loose and expressive, adding to the emotional depth of the scene, encapsulating a moment of silent bonding and mutual care.
