Exhibition time: 29 12 2023–21 01 2024
Opening: December 29 | 6pm
Meno Parkas Gallery (Rotuses sq. 27, 44279 Kaunas, Lithuania)
"I 'm a painter, that's all. That's all I know. I don't have any official work. It's unpopular. Painting is now a madman's occupation. But for me it's the only way to stay."
Rimvidas Jankauskas-Kampas, 1993
Rimvidas Jankauskas fearlessly expressed vibrant emotions and intricate existential musings through his art. Renowned for his unwavering dedication to painting as his life's essence, he embraced a bold, uncompromising stance.
A few years ago, when we were discussing the milestones of Lithuanian art history in the Meno Parkas gallery, we noticed a gap - we noticed that memories and knowledge about Rimvidas Jankauskas-Kampas were slowly turning into legends, and the fate of his works was not always known. This is how the idea of returning to a review of this author's work was born.
Amidst the stagnation of the 1980s and 1990s, Jankauskas' art emerged, capturing the essence of a shifting era, from the Soviet Union's decline to Lithuania's reclamation of independence. His evolution as an artist paralleled a new wave in Lithuanian painting, breaking free from academic constraints.
Over five transformative years post-Art Institute, Kampas nurtured a unique, philosophical approach to painting. His themes intertwined with vibrant plasticity, transcending specific landscapes into suggestive expressions. Straying from lyrical nuances, his abstract works resembled concise, impactful sentences, distinguishing him within the Lithuanian art landscape.
This exhibition honors Jankauskas-Kampas' works, capturing the essence of his unwavering commitment to artistry and profound introspection. All are cordially invited to witness this retrospective celebration.
(Text based on Rasa Žukienė's article "Rimvidas Jankauskas: Painting as Existential Experience")
The project is supported by the Lithuanian Council for Culture.
