Vytautas Žirgulis was born in Kaunas, Lithuania, on November 4, 1962. His education is remarkably varied: he began by specializing in music at J. Naujalis Art School in 1980, then studied event directing at Klaipėda Conservatory, where he graduated in 1984. In 1992, he earned his degree from Vilnius Academy of Arts, specializing in painting, which firmly established his presence in the Lithuanian art world. Since 1995, he has been a member of the Lithuanian Artists' Association.
Žirgulis has maintained an active career, participating in numerous group exhibitions and plein air events both within Lithuania and internationally. He has staged 18 solo exhibitions to date, each reflecting the breadth and progression of his artistry. Based in Vilnius, he not only creates but also teaches drawing, painting, and composition at the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Art. His artistic work spans both easel and wall painting.
Žirgulis characterizes his painting style as magical realism, drawing upon themes from daily life and infusing common subjects with significant depth. He places particular value on authenticity, people, and real events in his creative process, explaining that narrative and the ideas beneath it are central to his practice. The artist favors oil paints for their depth and for allowing detailed work with nuances, soft edges, and layers made possible by their slow drying. His pieces often feature literary references, which are apparent not only in the subject matter but also inform his selection of color, use of light, and arrangement of each composition.
Art critic Ignas Kazakevičius observes that Žirgulis’s symbolism is primarily anthropomorphic, conveying emotions and psychological states through subtly rendered, mysterious faces. Kazakevičius points out the dreamlike nature of Žirgulis’s motifs, describing the way his intimate figures shift into fantastical chimaeras set within vibrant blue spaces. In the critic’s view, Žirgulis’s painting technique is just as crucial as his literary themes and symbols, as it invites viewers into enduring and resonant encounters with his forms.
About this artwork+
The painting titled "Paradise Apples" by Vytautas Žirgulis focuses on the beauty of nature. It depicts sparse, twisting branches adorned with small, bright red fruits. The background is a blend of soft, muted colors like pinks, yellows, and grays which create a dreamy atmosphere. The fruits stand out vividly against this subtle backdrop. Žirgulis uses a style that merges realism and abstraction. The branches and apples are detailed and realistic. However, the brushed, indistinct background gives the painting an abstract feel. This style brings a sense of tranquility and mystery to the scene. Žirgulis' work often explores themes of nature and beauty, and this painting is no exception. His use of color and texture adds a peaceful and almost magical quality to the simple scene of nature.
