Artwork in the room
Vilma Vasiliauskaitė, an artist from Druskininkai, Lithuania, possesses a strong foundation in both fine and applied arts. She spent 14 years studying at Druskininkai Art School, went on to attend the Faculty of Fine Arts at Šiauliai University, and ultimately earned a Master’s degree in painting. Throughout her artistic journey, Vilma has been actively involved in the art scene, taking part in more than 50 group exhibitions and holding over 100 solo shows. She is affiliated with the Lithuanian Artists’ Union and associates herself with the “Individualists” collective.
The sources of Vilma’s inspiration are wide-ranging, encompassing the natural world as well as fleeting impressions drawn from memory. Her paintings often portray interiors, still lifes, and human figures, while she also delves into mythological and historical motifs, as well as subjects related to dance, society, and contemporary global issues. Her art serves as a visual expression of her personal contemplations and recollections, which are allowed to develop before coming to life in vibrant color on the canvas.
Vilma Vasiliauskaitė’s work is distinguished by soft pastel colors and gentle, subdued tones. While certain pieces carry the translucent effect characteristic of watercolor, she primarily uses oil paints. A recurring theme in her art is the representation of ballerinas and the intricacies of their everyday experiences. With careful, deliberate brushwork, she conveys the flowing movements and energy of dance, transforming fleeting gestures into an enduring visual language.
The theatrical influence in her paintings is evident in scenes unfolding behind the ballet stage, where textured elements such as draped fabrics and feminine silhouettes play a central role. Motifs of liberation, symbolized by raised wings of birds and the powerful vitality of dance, appear throughout her work. Nostalgic echoes of childhood and a thoughtful sense of waiting also feature prominently. The poetic qualities in Vilma Vasiliauskaitė’s paintings invite the viewer to explore both emotional complexity and visual delicacy. The artist’s profile image was photographed by Vilmantas Dambrauskas.
About this artwork+
The painting portrays a mystical and somewhat somber scene centered around a headless female mannequin. The mannequin, which stands prominently in the composition, has a physique draped in what appears to be tattered and worn angelic wings, predominantly white with subtle hints of pink and gray. These wings are slightly ruffled and descend along the sides, suggesting a gentle yet weary disposition. The mannequin itself is rendered in earthy tones of browns and ambers, enhancing its ethereal and surreal nature. To the left of the mannequin, there is a round mirror leaning against a pale blue wall, discolored and foggy, contributing to the overall air of melancholy and introspection. The mirror, paired with the mannequin, hints at themes of reflection, identity, and possibly transformation. There are several indistinct objects around the room that create a sense of everyday life juxtaposed against the supernatural element of the wings. At the top left corner, a simple framed piece hangs, adding to the domestic feel of the environment. The palette is soft, with blues, grays, and washed-out ambers, evoking a quiet, introspective atmosphere that complements the painting’s enigmatic and poignant title.
