ARTVILNIUS – A SPACE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART AND NEW DISCOVERIES

Art Fair ARTVILNIUS’12 – the greatest event of visual arts in the Baltic States over the past 20 years, which is held by the Lithuanian Art Gallerists’ Association for the third time.

“Like its foreign analogues, Art Fair ARTVILNIUS should be held on an annual basis to gain in weight and be able to develop into one of the leading events for Lithuanian cultural industries in the future that extend the art market, increase the flows of foreign tourists and bring added economic value for Lithuania’s economy”, says Mrs. Diana Stomienė, directress of ARTVILNIUS.

ARTVILNIUS was one of the cultural events of 2011 that obtained the broadest media coverage. ARTVILNIUS’11 was visited by more than 17 thousand visitors and important invited guests, including the topranking Lithuanian officials, Lithuanian and foreign ambassadors. The art fair was highly appreciated by Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania.

The art fair displayed in the area of 12,000 m² will be traditionally hosted at the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre LITEXPO, presenting 53 art galleries from 12 countries of the world. The galleries will display more than 500 artists and in excess of 1,000 art pieces.

According to Raminta Jurėnaitė, art director of ARTVILNIUS’12, the art fair will present a wide panorama of contemporary international art. “The organisers remain faithful to their original concept – to provide spaces to galleries from the art centres that represent interesting artistic life but are underrepresented in other art fairs. The visitors will see not only galleries from Riga, Kiev, St. Petersburg, Minsk, Vilnius and Kaunas, but also from Klaipėda, Panevėžys, Druskininkai and Utena. In a broader context, contemporary art will be presented by art galleries from Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, Portugal, Denmark and the United States”, comments Jurėnaitė, adding that the art fair has been not only the place to trade in art, but also the opportunity to present art works in a wider international context.

Along with galleries, it has become a tradition to present the exhibition of large-sized sculptures and installations “Takas”, works of the winners of the Young Painter Award, films about artists, lectures, discussions, meetings with gallerists, artists and art critics. Young visitors are invited to enjoy an interesting educational programme offered within the framework of the art fair.

The best artists, galleries and art pieces will be announced and awarded on the first day of the art fair. There are a total of 9 nominations established.

From New York to India

Lithuanian galleries will present the works of the most prominent Lithuanian authors, winners of the national prize, along with young, yet acknowledged artists. Visitors will see the works by V. Antanavičius, E. A. Cukermanas, A. Jacovskis, L. Katinas, V. Kisarauskas, A. Švėgžda, A. Petrulis and many other painters in addition to the works of the best Lithuanian photographers, such as A. Aleksandravičius, R. Rakauskas, A. Sutkus. Sculpture and Installation Exhibition “Takas” will present the newest works by A. Kasparavičius, A. Erminas, A. Petkus, J. Laivys, K. Lanauskas, K. Svirnelis, M. Tendziagolskis, P. Mazūras, R. Milkintas, Ž. Landzbergas. Tarasovas’ installation will be exhibited by Lithuanian Aidas Gallery; collection of video art will be represented by famous video artists E. Jansas, J. Barilaitė, L. Buivydaitė, G. Makarevičius K. Inčiūraitė, A. Kviliūnas, R. Sakalauskas, G. Jonaitis. Audio-visual installation Julijus Balčikonis: Thinking over Juozas Balčikonis will be presented by Julijus Balčikonis, grandson of a textile classic.

Foreign galleries also prepared interesting expositions and new discoveries for the visitors. German gallery Walter Bischoff Galerie, participating in the art fair for the third time, will present very famous artists Georg Baselitz and Sigmar Polke, and introduce the works of one of the most prominent contemporary photographers Thomas Ruff. Frants Gallery Space will bring works of painting from New York and give a lecture about cyber art world. This year, Gallery 21 from Riga will offer the visitors a large exposition of contemporary Indian art. While travelling around India, directress of Gallery 21, Ms. Ivonna Veiherte, was collecting pieces of contemporary Indian art which would be first opened at the Art Fair ARTVILNIUS’12. A performance programme specially prepared for the Art Fair ARTVILNIUS’12 will be presented by one of the most prominent Indian artists Abhishek Harza. Last year, this artist participated with a dedicated programme at prestigious art show Art Basel. Gallery stands will offer a lot of action, attractions for the viewers and various performances.

Films about artists

There will be a lot of events held within the framework of the art fair. These will include educational programmes of photography workshops, video art programmes, lectures, discussions, documentary films. Film programme Portraits of Artists by Juozas Matonis and Vytautas Damaševičius will be presented for the viewers for the first time.

Programmes for children and youth

Adult visitors and children will be invited to the educational programmes of the art fair. The programmes have been developed by Vilnius Art School for Children and Youth, Artistic Training Centre of the Faculty of Architecture of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and Open Photography Workshops. Special lessons for children and youth will open them the world of creation and provide with opportunities to create themselves.

ARTVILNIUS’12 will be open on 27-30 June, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on 1 July from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Organisers of the Art Fair: Lithuanian Art Gallerists’ Association, Vilnius Cultural Centre.
Patron of ARTVILNIUS’12 – Vilnius City Municipality.
Main partner of ARTVILNIUS’12 – Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre LITEXPO.