Lilija Gotautaite - Smalinske ^{Emerging artist}

Artist's country of origin: Lithuania

In an epoch where traditional artistic methods are constantly evolving, comfort and purpose are found in the enduring essence of painting. However, the applied approach does not always conform to traditionally perceived principles of painting, challenging the boundaries of the canvas and the meaning of paint itself.

Instead of starting with a blank canvas, the journey begins through fabrics – worn, imbued with history. Each artwork carries its own unique narrative, testifying to endless processes. Yet, the creative process is a dialogue with time. Just as time leaves its mark on the everyday environment, it also shapes depicted real and fictional landscapes. Scenes are created through the interaction of naturally or chemically dyed textiles, telling stories of the transient nature of existence, the fading of memory, and successive cycles of time.

In a world obsessed with innovation and novelty, art serves as a reminder of the enduring power of tradition, hidden within worn and weathered objects. Considering the imperfections of the materials used, we speak about the very time of painting itself.

Lilija Gotautaitė-Smalinskė graduated from Eduardas Balsys School of Arts in 2017, and in 2021 from Vilnius Academy of Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Painting and a Master's degree in Painting from VAA Kaunas Faculty this year.

Since the beginning of her creative journey, she has aimed to improve her skills and gain new creative experiences. Actively participates in art events and exhibitions, presenting her works to a wide audience and receiving positive feedback. She held a solo exhibition in 2021: "All about the Same and all about Everything" in Ars et mundus, Kaunas. The author has been participating in group exhibitions and art projects since 2018. She has participated in significant art exhibitions: 2022 Young Painting of Kaunas'22, gallery Drobė, Kaunas, 2022 Art Code 2022. Observations. The 4th Alytus Young Creators Biennial. Alytus Cultural Center, Alytus, 2022 Hear the Image. Arterija, Kaunas, [į/iš]sišaknijimas / [up]rooting. Arka gallery, Vilnius. I would also note the artist's performance activities, which expand her creativity, providing interesting dissemination, such as: 2019 Mark Making – The Electronic Carnival of Eternal Touching. ArtVilnius, Vilnius, 2021 Happiness = Creation | Day of Happiness 2021. Meno Parkas, Kaunas, 2022 Life’s a Drag. pARTy (ART, why so serious?). Tempo space, Kaunas, 2022 Reflexive Dancing with the Ground. Arka Gallery.