ARTIST INTERVIEW: Ruta Matuleviciute
Lithuanian artist Ruta Matuleviciute at AP Gallery in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Les Couleurs Miami Beach Interviews Ruta Matuleviciute: Renowned for merging surreal and magical realism, Lithuanian artist Ruta Matuleviciute infuses her work with a utopian fairy tale touch. Drawing inspiration from Baltic, Ancient Lithuanian, and global folklore, Matuleviciute's art transcends reality, inviting exploration. By blending herself with her artwork, she emphasizes consciousness-driven creation. Daily self-development practices, including Transcendental Meditation, fuel her boundless creativity. Exhibiting both in Lithuania and beyond, Matuleviciute's captivating work uniquely fuses imagination and personal growth.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Let's start with an easy question – where are you from?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: I'm from Vilnius, and I'm currently based there as well.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Are you a full-time painter, or do you engage in other activities?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: I'm a full-time artist, but I'm also collaborating with a Polish production house, where I work as a digital VFX artist, handling tasks such as matte paintings and animations.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: When did you create your first painting – both as a general exploration of art and as a professional piece?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: Art has been a part of my life from a very young age. I can't recall exactly when I started, as it was an intuitive process. During my music school years, when I studied violin and cello, I began seeing similarities between the harmonious blending of colors in paintings and musical notes coming together. My first oil painting came when I was preparing for the art academy admission exams, around 12th grade.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Do you see any connection between your musical background and your visual art?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: Absolutely, my 12 years of classical music training had a significant influence. I found parallels between the harmony of colors in a painting and the harmonious sound of musical notes. I observed how colors could resonate similarly to musical notes, giving a cohesive and captivating experience to the viewers.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Which artistic styles have influenced your work?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: My work draws inspiration from various styles, including 19th-century symbolism, Romanticism, and Baroque for its dramatic essence. I also embrace Surrealism and Impressionism, creating a blend of influences that shape my unique style.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Who are your most significant artistic influences?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: Globally, David Lynch stands out due to his meditative practices and philosophical approach. Within Lithuania, my professor Egle Vertelkaite, a graphic artist, has been a profound influence with her wisdom and knowledge.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Did you study arts only in Lithuania, or did you also pursue studies abroad?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: My formal studies have been in Lithuania so far. While I'm exploring foreign art markets, I've participated in a residency in Sofia, Bulgaria.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Could you mention any young artists who catch your attention?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: Kristina Asinus also from Lithuania. Her unique technique using a spatula instead of brushes, especially for vibrant tropical scenes, is intriguing and impressive.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: My inspiration flows naturally and spontaneously. Images and ideas come to me effortlessly, and the medium follows. During my academic years, I sought to understand this intuitive process by exploring psychoanalysis and ancient philosophies. However, it was Transcendental Meditation that truly opened the door to understanding my creative process. My true self, experienced during meditation, enriches my ideas and outcomes.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Have you found your distinctive style, or are you still exploring?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: While certain symbols and themes persist throughout my work, I embrace evolution. The recent “Blue” series showcases a change in style, yet I avoid confining myself to a specific approach. I allow my art to grow and evolve naturally.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Which exhibitions have been particularly significant for you?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: Two exhibitions stand out significantly due to their significance. The first one, which took place in 2019 at the Pamenkalnio Gallery in Vilnius, centered around the Chinese Book of Changes and featured an engaging interactive installation known as the "Wisdom Vendor." The second exhibition, titled "Atlantis," occurred in 2021 within the historical dungeons beneath Sv. Jono (Saint John) street Gallery, providing a truly distinctive ambiance and an unparalleled experience for visitors.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: What has been your happiest moment in your journey as an artist?
RUTA MATULEVICIUTE: Every painting process is joyous, offering fulfillment and a sense of limitless possibility. Collaborations with fellow artists have also brought happiness and profound lessons in art and teamwork.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Thank you for your time, Ruta. It's been a pleasure talking to you.
