EXHIBITION “LINEN IMAGES” IN DRUSKININKAI
Artist Inga Dargužytė is particularly interested in nature and landscape. The motifs of nature from various countries she has visited and their features become the main idea of her graphic sheets. Abstract and minimalist images created using the linocut technique dominate her work. The artist also impressively uses dry point, monotype, and polymer techniques in her works.
The exhibition in Druskininkai exhibits cycles of the author’s works from around 2007. They intertwine motifs, landscapes, natural forms, and elements from previously visited countries. By the way, the line of nature remains in the 2019 and 2022 cycles.
The graphic artist’s favorite and main technique is linocut, but the graphic artist prints the linoleum cliché not only with relief, but also with intaglio printing. Therefore, the same engraving drawings ultimately turn into non-replicable prints. When printing with intaglio, when the paint is rubbed into the grooves of the carved lines, it is difficult to repeat the movement of the hand and rub the original selected colors in the same principle. The color of the prints changes, but remains organically natural, earthy.
The emotional stages of the author’s life are reflected in her diverse work:
The cycle „Orbits” (2007) is a cycle of abstract language graphic works, inspired by the nature of Iceland, which has turned into a myth in the perception (vision) of today’s globalized landscape. The landscape images formed by the author interpret minimalist purified speech using the techniques of linocut and monotype. Like other graphic works by Inga Dargužytė, a fragment is used, a small detail of the creative cosmos, which is grown to a broad concept of being. A universal idea of landscape perception and a form close to Icelandic and Lithuanian thinking are formed. It manifests itself in a purified line, an authentic, even archaic language of symbols – recognizable ornaments and structures – the forms of swastikas, circles, ovals, also related to the expression of plastic elements of our folk architecture, textiles. The authentic traces of the material, characteristic textures, the precision of linen carving, the randomness of monotype are not abandoned. Rejecting visual effects, we opt for flows of lines, fibers, floating colored tonal shades in gradations.
The cycle “Dishes” (2019) – experiences of anxiety syndrome – works printed by intaglio printing, but carved using the linocut technique. They depict various poisonous and psychotropic plants. The idea of this idea was to serve “dishes” as works of art and exhibit them on the table. During the creation, the structure and details of the plant were studied, but during the work its form was changed and modeled in its own way. In the works, you will not see a realistically redrawn plant, but rather strange formations or compositional spots.
The cycle “Generation” (2022) – the nostalgia of a disappearing homeland is revealed in linoleum clichés. This is a colorful cycle of linocuts designed to remember and revive the history of current and former locations in the Anykščiai district, in the homeland. This is an abstract story about the visual changes of Gečionys, Grūdeliškis, Narkiškis and surrounding villages. Images of the surroundings recorded over many years are transferred to a cycle of linocuts that interprets a realistic landscape.
“Fears of War” – the linocuts of the 2023 cycle are dominated by black and white graphic combinations combined with the color of blood – red. A three-color puzzle reveals the drama of the experiences of current reality.
All of the graphic artist’s prints are filled with a line, which, guided by the movement of the hand, creates hints of finely detailed graphic compositions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF THE EXHIBITION:
Artist – graphic artist Inga Dargužytė b. 1974 in Anykščiai. In 1997 she graduated from Šiauliai University with a degree in fine arts and works, in 1999 – from the VDA (Vilnius Academy of Arts) with a master’s degree in graphics under professor Mikalojus Povilas Vilutis. Since 2000, she has been a member of the Lithuanian Artists’ Union. Since 2002, she has coordinated various exhibitions and organized art projects in Lithuania and abroad, and is a participant in them. She worked at the Vilnius Children and Youth Art School (now the Jūratė Stauskaitė School). Currently, she teaches color theory, composition, painting at Vilnius College, and leads creative classes for children.
She has attended creative internships in Denmark (2003), Finland (2005, 2006, 2011), Iceland (2005, 2007), Sweden (2004, 2008), Norway (2006), Spain (2009), Armenia (2010), Scotland (2003, 2006, 2009). She has held 30 personal exhibitions in Lithuania and abroad.
Actively participates in Lithuanian and foreign creative spaces: she has exhibited her works in group exhibitions in Poland, Romania, Russia, Greece, Argentina, Japan, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, Scandinavian countries and the United Kingdom.
Inga Dargužytė’s graphics have been appreciated and encouraged with significant awards:
2023 – Mobility Scholarship for a Culture and Art Creator
2021, 2019 – Individual State Scholarship for Art and Culture Creators
2014, 2009 – Individual State Scholarship for Art and Culture Creators
2011 – Nordic Culture Point Cultural Mobility Program Scholarship. Finland.
2010, 2006 – Step Beyond Mobility Program. Netherlands.
2003, 2004
