ARTIST INTERVIEW: Julija Jankelaityte.
The artist Julija Jankelaityte at her studio in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Photos: Lukas Pijus Miksys.
Les Couleurs Miami Beach interviewed Julija Jankelaityte, a renowned Lithuanian painter and sculptor. The interview was conducted by Liudvikas Jakavicius, our editor for "Trending in Lithuania".
SHORT BIO: Julija Jankelaitytė (b. August 20, 1993), a contemporary artist hailing from Vilnius, Lithuania, is known for her captivating exploration of the intersections between realism, abstraction, and symbolism. She firmly believes that art should transcend the mere representation of objective reality, delving into the subjective and emotional aspects of the human experience.
Julija's creative process is driven by intuition, allowing her works to surpass the boundaries of traditional representation and establish a profound connection with the viewer on an intuitive level. From an early age, she embarked on an artistic journey, discovering the evocative power of colors and textures inspired by the poetic countryside that surrounded her.
Her artistic education took her to the Stanislav Moniuszko School of Art and London Metropolitan University, where she honed her skills and expanded her artistic vision. With her talents recognized and appreciated, Julija has exhibited her works in prominent art hubs such as London, Berlin, Zurich, and Vienna. However, she eventually returned to her hometown of Vilnius for her inaugural solo exhibition in 2020, a milestone in her artistic career.
Julija's unique artistic expressions have garnered the admiration of esteemed collectors, including Nobel Prize winner Antonio Castro Netto and Guggenheim Museum trustee Frank Yu, solidifying her position as a respected and sought-after artist in the contemporary art scene.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Hello Juilija. Thank you for your time in agreeing to give us this interview. My first question that is quite easy is - where are you from?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: I grew up in a small town in the south of Vilnius, Salcininkai, and spent most of my childhood in the countryside.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Are you a full-time painter?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: I am and have been for a couple of years now. I did have a few corporate roles in the past before fully giving myself to art.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: When have you done your first painting?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: I've painted or done something that falls under the Art term for as long as I remember. It was this visceral feeling, a subconscious urge. My first memories of drawing and/or painting are those of flowers in my grandmother's garden.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Which style influences your work?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: My main interest in art is the perception of human form and condition, therefore - figurative, although sometimes a pure fact isn't enough to express the feeling so I turn to abstract.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Who are your biggest artistic influences (Lithuanian and non-Lithuanian)?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: M.K. Ciurlionis has always amazed me with his ability to create this immersive mystical world but I found that influence from Francis Bacon, Egon Schiele, Loribelle Spirovski, and Ryan Hewett is more relevant to my work.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICCIUS: Did you go to an art school in Lithuania, and if so to which school?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: I did get a formal art education in Stanislav Moniuszko Art School, where I've built the necessary skill set in art history, painting, drawing and sculpture.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: I know that you have studied in London. How was your experience in the United Kingdom?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: London is an unforgiving place running on chaos. Studying there was a challenge but it helped me develop perseverance and discipline. Time there let me break some rules and explore art beyond academia, laying ground for my personal style.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Have you ever been working in the UK or outside Lithuania?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: After my studies in London I moved to Berlin, later spent some time between Vienna and Zurich before moving to Vilnius four years ago.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Where do you find inspiration?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: Mostly in people and experiences. Sometimes it's a result of a disciplined process of studying objects and analytical observation.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Which exhibition/s do you feel more proud to be part of it?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: My first exhibition in Berlin holds a special place in my heart but I'm always proud of my work to be a part of a good cause - like this Christmas Gala, or The Butterfly Ball by Cauldwell Children charity.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: How did it come about your enthusiasm for art?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: I think it was the beauty of "making" first. Observing the surroundings and replicating it in any available medium with my own hands. Later it grew into my own language and now it's this divine wonder of creation that keeps surprising and inspiring.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: How long have you been drawing and how long did it take you to develop your own style?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: Given the developing technology and concept of art and my drive to experiment, I believe my style will never be set to something constant. It's a lifelong process.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: What is your happiest moment being involved in art?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: The serenity of knowing I've found and can confidently exercise my purpose in life.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: What do you like about your work?
JULIJA JANKELAITYTE: Freedom of doing whatever you want at the pace you choose, where and when you prefer.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Thank you so much for your time and also for the donation you have made to Les Couleurs Charity.
