The 18th International Vilnius Painting Triennial: “I Am Not Here to Be Tolerated”

On Thursday, October 3rd, the Lithuanian Artists’ Association will present the second part of the 18th International Vilnius Painting Triennial, which will be exhibited in the “Titanikas” gallery halls at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. This time, the exhibition will consist of two collections: a showcase of Baltic artists curated by associate professors Meda Norbutaitė and Arvydas Žalpys, and an exhibition titled “Inner Worlds,” featuring works by nominees of the Nordic and Baltic Young Artists Awards, curated by Andra Orn, as stated in the press release by the Triennial organizers.

The tradition of Baltic participation in the Vilnius Painting Triennials provides an opportunity to compare the artistic developments of one’s country with the changes in the art scenes of neighboring countries. The Baltic artists featured in the exhibition include Elena Balsiukaitė (LT), Henrikas Čerapas (LT), Vita Opolskytė (LT), Mantas Valentukonis (LT), Mirjam Hinn (EE), Kaido Ole (EE), Marko Mäetamm (EE), Andris Vītolinš (LV), Māris Čačka (LV), and Sigita Daugule (LV).

“The Baltic collection of the 18th International Vilnius Painting Triennial was shaped with the concept of this project in mind. The works of Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanian artists of different generations exhibited at the Kaunas Picture Gallery and the “Titanikas” exhibition space of the Vilnius Academy of Arts reflect the trends in the content and form of painting, demonstrating their thinking, discoveries in artistic expression, and what is relevant to them today… The artist captures sensitive issues, emerging problems, premonitions, and important existential questions prevalent in their time. They filter these through themselves and search for answers. The artist’s work demonstrates these complex searches and their existence within a certain era. Through creation, they establish a relationship with today’s viewer and with themselves,” remarks the main curator of the Triennial, associate professor M. Norbutaitė, about the curation process.

Alongside the Baltic artists, the exhibition will also feature the collection “Inner Worlds,” showcasing works by nominees of the Nordic and Baltic Young Artists Awards. This collection is made up of a diverse group of young contemporary artists: Adomas Rybakovas (LT), Agata Orlovska (LT), Andrea Margó Rotenberg (EE), Arvid Staaf (SE), Eeva Lietonen (FI), Eila Kalve (LV), Gabrielė Monginaitė (LT), Katrina Laura Biksone (LV), Marion Saarik (EE), Marleen Suvi (EE), Neda Naujokaitė (LT), and Rokas Janušonis (LT). Although these artists come from different countries, the main themes they explore touch on eternal questions: the exploration of identity, cultural heritage, social phenomena, and the ever-changing relationships between humans and their environment. The works oscillate between melancholy under an existentialist umbrella, influenced by today’s social and political backdrop, while inviting viewers to explore social and personal issues.

18-oji tarptautinė Vilniaus tapybos trienalė / Pranešimo rengėjų nuotr.

18-oji tarptautinė Vilniaus tapybos trienalė / Pranešimo rengėjų nuotr

Curator A. Orn states that “Inner Worlds” aims to capture the “contemporaneity” of Nordic and Baltic contemporary painting, focusing on the latest trends and innovations in painting as an intermediary medium. By exploring the synthesis of photography, video, installation, sound, and ceramics, the exhibition reveals the poetics of today’s painting. Artists examine personal and socio-cultural narratives as well as their inner journeys from various painterly perspectives.

The exhibition emphasizes the creation of an environment through means of artistic expression, transcending the boundary between the materiality of painting and abstract narratives, with particular attention given to preserving cultural memory against the destructive force of time. By seeking connections between painting and imagery, the exhibition conceptually separates technique from narrative with a subtle thread, contemplating the balance between craftsmanship and elitism.

Themes include the contemporary fear of intimacy, the examination of isolation in the virtual world, modern socialization, and, most importantly, the relationship between humans and technology. The paradoxes of human existence are expressed in holistic art pieces, emerging from memory, fantasies, and desires. From painting and glass installations to multi-layered holistic object-paintings, creating an atmosphere of intertwined experiences and memories, the exhibition explores posthumanism and transitional spaces known as non-places.

The first part of the Triennial was already presented at the Kaunas Picture Gallery, featuring contemporary artists from the Nordic countries, Poland, and Lithuania. Additionally, a satellite exhibition at the “Meno Parkas” gallery was opened, presenting works by artists from France and Spain. The main exhibition opening on October 3rd will be accompanied by discussions with artists and a tour of the exhibition with the curators:

Nuotr. aut. Marija Valasevičiūtė

Panel Discussion: A conversation with curator Andra Orn and nominees of the Nordic and Baltic Young Artists Awards (2:00 PM, VDA “Titanikas” gallery, Maironio St. 3, Vilnius).

Panel Discussion: A conversation with Baltic artists (4:00 PM, VDA “Titanikas” gallery, Maironio St. 3, Vilnius).

Exhibition Tour: A walk through the exhibitions with curators Andra Orn and Meda Norbutaitė (6:00 PM, VDA “Titanikas” gallery, Maironio St. 3, Vilnius).

Organizer: Lithuanian Artists’ Association, headed by Prof. Eglė Ganda Bogdanienė.

Design and Communication: Andrius Grigalaitis, Lukas Stanionis.

Project Manager: Agnė Skopaitė.

Exhibition Architect: Paulius Rukas.

Event Partners: Vilnius Academy of Arts, NOBA, National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum, “Meno Parkas” gallery, “Arka” gallery.

Event Financed by: Lithuanian Council for Culture.

Sponsors: “Stasys Museum,” St. Ignatius Loyola College, Embassy of Finland in Lithuania, Embassy of Denmark in Lithuania, Embassy of Norway in Lithuania, Embassy of Sweden in Lithuania, Polish Institute in Vilnius, and others.

Media Sponsors: LRT, and others.

Patrons: Dalė and Gintaras Gruodžiai