“SAND PEOPLE” BY AUGUSTINAS VIRGILIJUS BURBA

On Friday, 23 February 2018, at 17:30, Augustinas Virgilijus Burba‘s personal exhibition “Sand People” is opening at KCCC Exhibition Hall (Didžioji Vandens st. 2, Klaipėda).

One of the most prominent Lithuanian graphic artists, Augustinas Virgilijus Burba, in his personal exhibition “Sand People”, presents the latest linocut engravings from his graphic cycles, which are dedicated to anniversaries of key Lithuanian figures and historical dates, as well as watercolor paintings.

The artist is best known as a creator of engravings and book-plates (ex-libris). He applies linocut, etching and aquatint techniques. Early engravings are mostly linocut, which are characterized by a naturally close approach to images, bold, expressive carvings, rich lines and a variety of textures. In later works, the artist increasingly applies the etching technique. Recently, A. V. Burba prefers the linocut again, “I think the choice of material other than intimate etching has proven out. Linoleum carving makes it easier to handle larger formats; imprints rather have a monumental black-and-white effect of sharp, contrast, I would say, rougher graphics, expression. Thus, this graphical design is more effective in capturing space, in attracting attention “, the artist argues for his choice.

The art critic Kristina Jokubavičienė states that “the expressive engravings of A.V.Burba reveal a graphic style in which dynamics and statics are naturally harmonised. His works feature a rich cutting pattern, a vigorous stroke, a lively play of black and white spots. The main motive of the artist’s works is a monumental and dynamic figure of a person, which is often depicted in complex perspectives, deformations, is surrounded by numerous items and details that have transient meaning, and it becomes a sign or symbol itself.”

The key character of A.V. Burba’s works is a person, whether it is a cycle of graphics dedicated to the anniversary of Kristijonas Donelaitis or to the Duke Michael Oginski, or the latest cycle of paintings “Sand People”, which has conditioned the title of this exhibition. The artist presents the recent cycle as a vision, “I portray a human figure both in graphics and herein. These are diary visions, eternal, inexpressible. Long ago, I’ve come up with the situation how difficult it is to express in words what is depicted in the paintings. All of this is just time segments, visual glimpses, a metamorphosis of real or imagined, aesthetized or rough, earthly experiences. It’s like wanting to catch the sand flowing through the fingers. So, I said: all this is a “Sand Time”. And, accordingly – “Sand people”. This unstoppable act fills up all days, months, years. This flow involves your home, motherland, country. Centuries. Centenary ofLithuania.

About the author

Augustinas Virgilijus Burba was born on 27 June 1943 in Grūšlaukė village, Kretinga district. In 1966-1971, studied at Vilnius Art Institute (now – Vilnius Academy of Arts) in art pedagogy. His teachers were J. Švažas, L. Lagauskas, V. Karatajus.

Since 1976, he lives and creates inKlaipėda. Member of the Lithuanian Artists’ Association since 1980. Participates in exhibitions since 1973, held more than 30 personal exhibitions inLithuaniaand abroad, took part in over 300 group exhibitions. The artist’s works have been exhibited inGermany,Italy,Russia,Sweden,China, theNetherlands,Finland,Cuba. He won numerous prizes, other awards. The works of A. V. Burba were acquired by theLithuanianArt Museum,VilniusUniversityand theUniversityofPisa, the M.K. Čiurlionis Gallery in Chicago and private collectors.

Augustinas Virgilijus Burba‘s exhibition “Sand People” will run until 25 March 2018.

Working hours of KCCC Exhibition Hall (Didžioji Vandens str. 2, Klaipėda): 11:00–19:00, Wednesday – Sunday (closed on public holidays).