VIRGINIJUS VININGAS – “THREE DECADES”

VIRGINIJUS VININGAS

A retrospective exhibition of Virginijus Viningas “Three Decades” is going to be opened at the KCCC Exhibition Hall (Didžioji Vandens str. 2, Klaipėda) on Friday, the 28th of February, 2020, 5:30 PM. The painting performance of the author will take place during the presentation.

The anniversary exhibition of the painter Virginijus Viningas retrospectively explores the creative path that the author himself divides into three stages. During the first stage, just after the graduation from Vilnius Academy of Arts in 1990s, the artist has been trying to break free from the canons of “grey painting” formed in the academy for nearly a decade, and, according to the author, has been trying to get out of the colours of the “grey area”. Even though he actively participated in the exhibitions in Lithuania and abroad, V. Viningas himself does not attach much importance to the works of that time.

The great creative breakthrough occurred around the 2000s, when he left for the international plein-air in Dresden – then intense colours, such as blue and red, appeared in his canvases. During this period, the author’s works were dominated by the motifs of landscape and household items, according to the cultural journalist Rita Bočiulytė, “rebellious hangers, menacing swings, knocking chairs”. The work cycle “Farewell to Chairs” created in 2003 has become symbolic before the upcoming breakthrough of the jazz theme.

A jazz-inspired personal exhibition “Improviza” was presented at Klaipėda Exhibition Hall in 2009.

Portrait improvisations, capturing the states, body language of world-famous jazz musicians, in other words – the reflection of the music of leading figures of jazz – dominated the sixteen canvases of the exhibition. The huge format works have been painted in one and a half month – in one breath, so to say. A movie of Rytis Martinionis created about this exhibition will be presented during the opening of the exhibition “Three Decades”.

According to Rita Bočiulytė, the impulsive expression of stroke and colours is simply overflowing in “Improviza”, tauntingly reproaching with the author’s professionalism, courage and ambition. Unexpectedly emerged strong dose of ornamentation and a clear commercial hint are also not enemies but rather allies to such painting. The paintings of V. Viningas (as of many other artists of his generation) have not been in high demand in the art market so far. Maybe now…”

The words of the journalist were prophetic: in the same year, part of the works of this cycle were welcomed at the Quadrennial of Lithuanian Contemporary Art in Vilnius as well as at the International Gallery Fair Vilnius Art, and the works were purchased by the MO Museum of Modern Art, Lewben Art Foundation, and collectors.

After the improvisations on the subject of jazz, the paintings of the artist began to feature figurative compositions, boxing, ballet, a woman’s act, and cellist themes that, according to the author, are inexhaustible to him. The geography of the exhibitions has expanded as well – from Europe to China and America.

According to the art critic Austėja Mikuckytė-Mateikienė, “V. Viningas is one of the most prominent contemporary expressionists, capable of giving the painting a multi-faceted movement. First of all, the strokes themselves seem to move. They glide in the air, fluttering, hypnotizing. It is only after stepping back from the painting that all the humming, striking chaos of strokes produces clear scenes, characteristic physiognomies, and strong psychological portraits. The silhouettes of the inhabitants of the canvas of V. Viningas appear to be made of colourful paint scales, feathers or clumps. The impression of movement is further enhanced by the choice of complex, unexpected angles”.

About the Author

Virginijus Viningas was born in 1960 in Pasvalys. In 1990 he graduated from Vilnius Academy of Arts. He has learned painting and composition from prof. A Savickas, the professor has also been the advisor of his diploma work.

He has been living and making art in Klaipėda since 1990, is currently working at Eduardas Balsys Gymnasium of Arts, teaches painting, composition and watercolour painting.

He has been a member of the Lithuanian Artists’ Association since 2005. In 2018 he was awarded with the gold star of the LAA for the “expressive jazz of strokes and colours on canvas” as well as for a long-term work at the Board of the LAA.

The artist has held over 30 personal exhibitions in Lithuania, Germany, America and Finland, and has participated in 20 group exhibitions in Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, China, Russia, and other countries. Lewben Art Fundation, MO Museum as well as private collectors in Lithuania, Japan, USA, Germany and other countries have acquired his paintings.

The exhibition will run until the 10thof May, 2020.

Opening hours of the KCCC Exhibition Hall (Didžioji Vandens str. 2, Klaipėda): Wednesday-Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM (closed on public holidays).

We would like to inform the visitors that photos and videos will be taken during the event, so they can be featured on photos or videos of the event posted on social networks or in the media.