On April 7 V. Suncovas’ exhibition-research is opening at “apiece”, a showcase-style gallery strategically focusing on autonomic artistic expression. The exhibition presents various objects, fragments and models of conceptual design that have a specific function. Some of them are earlier unrealised ideas for public urban spaces, while others are new objects. These exhibits made available for viewers to consume and subjectively evaluate can be seen as alternative directions in creating identity for public spaces in Lithuania, and include details of children playgrounds, pieces of furniture, urban landscaping ideas, small-scale architecture and site-specific art, along with other urban elements. As the author of the exhibition himself puts it: “That which makes you smile doesn’t have to be silly; that which is childish doesn’t have to be straightforward; that which is patriotic isn’t always majestic – because it can all be both cosy and tasty”. So, one could likened the exhibition presented at “apiece” gallery to a menu at a new restaurant inviting viewers to enjoy the urban delicacies “freshly” prepared by V. Suncovas.

apiece: Vladas, were the associations of urban elements with delicacies dictated by form or aesthetics, and why did the works veer towards a dessert menu rather than a main course menu?

Vladas Suncovas: Actually, the work has both desserts and main courses. There are also other elements of a carefully set table: cutlery, napkins, toothpicks, spices, glasses, uninvited guests, produce gone bad, abandoned items and much more. I also use the word “delicacy” rather loosely, just to describe something that is exceptionally tasty. The tradition of serving tables in different themes is very old and exceptionally rich. Looking through my “fridge of ideas”, I realised that I have a lot of urban models, sketches and ideas related to food in one way or another. So I decided that it would be appropriate to exhibit these ideas by loosely interpreting the concept of a served table.

a.: Your works tend to be two different things at once, since one can easily recognise in them connections between, and methods of, different artistic movements, as well as associations having ambiguous purposes and imagery. Why is it important for you not to be “trapped” in the field of representational art alone?

V. S.: For starters, I think the answer is encoded in your question: since I make objects containing multiple meanings, they readily find their place in different contexts. When I think of an idea for a new project, I feel most comfortable when I don’t limit myself to a preconceived notion of where and for what purpose it will be realised. When I think of a gazebo shaped as a clementine peel, I experiment with the shape and materials, I let my imagination tun in all directions. Once I’ve reached a certain point, I realise that in order to develop it further, I need to move on to the second phase, which is preparing a specific project for specific clients, specific locations, etc. I would develop it one way as scenography, another way as an architectural pavilion for a public space and yet another way for a private space. Or else the idea could be best expressed as a painting, sculpture or short story.

Secondly, exhibition “Urban Delicacies” presents my initial ideas that haven’t yet reached their final shape. Some of them might be realised in the future, some will change shape as they get developed further and some other of these “dishes” are perfectly expressed as scale models.

a.: Artwork-research “Urban Delicacies” is based on creative reflection on Lithuanian public spaces and is presented at a one-piece showcase-style gallery located in a public space. Does the choice of the exhibiting space expand the meanings of the work?

V. S.: I’m very happy about the opportunity to present my ideas in this particular space. I do believe that „apiece“ gallery expands the understanding of the work and provides it with a specific context. Speaking of urban public space while being in this space constitutes a unique opportunity. I believe that exhibition “Urban Delicacies” will be viewed by people of different ages, social status and worldviews. This is especially important if we are to have a sane dialogue leading to changes.

Vladas Suncovas graduated from Vilnius Academy of Arts (BA) and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (MA). He uses architecture, design and technology to create spaces and tools that they require. V. Suncovas develops his creative practice by making art in public spaces, scenography, exhibition design, small architecture, installations, experimental furniture and educational projects. His work is characterised by modular, deployable constructions, mechanical elements of engineering, parametric design, as well as transformation of space through conceptually based, often critical solutions.

Exhibition curators: Milena Černiakaitė and Aušra Trakšelytė

Graphic Design: Marek Voida

Communication: Menų Komunikacija

Exhibition funded by Lithuanian Council for Culture

Exhibition open from April 7 to May 31 2023

Exhibition can be viewed 24/7

Eglė Pilkauskaitė’s single artwork exhibition “Soil Surface #2”.

On February 19, E. Pilkauskaitė’s exhibition opens at “apiece”, a showcase-style gallery strategically focusing on autonomic artistic expression. Artist’s work attaches great importance to the surrounding environment and to places affected by processes of exclusion and decay. Materiality also plays an important role in her work. These are craft-oriented materials, adapted using various technologies and methodologies, including researches into different textures and use of textures in which they are not imitated but rather reflected upon.

“Soil Surface”, exhibited at “apiece” gallery, is a new version of the work, in which the imprint of the soil is cast in concrete slabs. According to the artist, it aims to make sense of the value of (the) “earth” being turned into an exhibit, and of the issues relating to the Anthropocene, all the while highlighting the importance of man’s physical relationship with nature.

– Eglė, was the choice of material affected to the showcase-like space of the gallery or was it motivated by other reasons? Also, what do you think is the relationship of contemporary (urban) person to nature (specifically to earth), and why is it important for you to make sense of it in your work?

– The idea of the work does relate to the location of the gallery. It is located in a little park in a rather busy area, marking a stretch of Čiurlionis street, leading to the city’s largest park, Vingis Park. The object displayed at the gallery becomes a kind of boundary marker between the industrial and recreational spaces of the city. The casting of a direct earth imprint in concrete creates a deliberately misleading allusion to the surface of the now fashionable organic material. The human relationship with the earth tends to remain consumerist, from the cultivation of exotic plants at home to large-scale building projects. Concrete has become the second most consumed material in the world after water. For this work I have chosen a form that can become a kind of pedestal for the contemporary search for a balance between man and nature.

– In your work, you often make use of objects found in various places to convey the beauty of decay. You have previously indicated that you are interested in questioning social norms of beauty and aesthetics. Why is it important for you to balance the line between beautiful and ugly in your work?

– I’m interested in why something is attractive to one person and not to another. The process that determines our aesthetic choices is extremely interesting. I try to look at aesthetics through a social perspective.

Eglė Pilkauskaitė lives and works in Vilnius. She graduated from Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London in 2014 with a BA in Drawing. Since 2016 she has been actively participating in exhibitions and art projects in Lithuania and abroad.

Exhibition curators: Milena Černiakaitė and Aušra Trakšelytė

Communication: Menų Komunikacija

Graphic design: Marek Voida

Exhibition  partly funded by Vilnius City Municipality

Exhibition open from February 19 to March 31 2023

Exhibition can be viewed 24/7

More about artist: www.pilkauskaite.com