Artwork in the room
Born on January 21, 1962, in Plungė, Lithuania, Vladimiras Nikonovas now resides and creates in Šėta, within the Kėdainiai district. A self-taught artist, Nikonovas has immersed himself in multiple artistic disciplines, such as photography, painting, and sculpture. He is especially recognized for his inventive approach to incorporating unconventional materials into his pieces.
His artistic process is characterized by ongoing experimentation and a devotion to daily creative exploration. By integrating elements from mechanical devices and everyday objects, Nikonovas expertly utilizes essential artistic concepts like form, color, and composition. With these atypical materials, he brings to life imaginative works depicting both real and mythical entities.
Every sculpture or assemblage by Nikonovas is crafted with exceptional care, frequently undergoing years of shaping and sanding before being finalized. These creations are displayed on distinctive surfaces—boards or slabs—that further emphasize their uniqueness. The finished artworks are notable for their originality and resourceful repurposing of ordinary materials.
Vladimiras Nikonovas has actively participated in the art world since 1989, both within Lithuania and internationally. He has taken part in several artistic projects, including seven iterations of the "Homo ludens" art forum, where his sculptures have become significant components of Jonava’s cityscape. In addition, his solo exhibitions have been presented domestically and abroad, solidifying his reputation as an innovative artist in contemporary experimental art.
About this artwork+
This painting by Vladimiras Nikonovas has a vivid and haunting aura. It seems to depict a cityscape, but it is abstract and surreal. The buildings look tangled and distorted. There are blobs and shapes that could be lights or eyes scattered across the canvas. The colors are mainly shades of deep red and green, creating a pulsating, almost eerie effect. Nikonovas uses a style that is heavily textured and layered. This adds depth and complexity to the image. His approach emphasizes emotions and interpretations rather than clear, defined forms. It's like he wants the viewer to feel a bit unsettled, or to question what reality is. The painting's name, "Where We Are Not," might suggest themes of absence or unreachable places. It invites us to ponder places we cannot or choose not to go.
