"Urban Garden" - Giedrė Mockeliūnaitė's Second Solo Exhibition

April 22nd - May 12th, 2024
Kaunas Akropolis, Event Square, Kaunas, Lithuania

In her second solo exhibition, "Urban Garden," Giedrė Mockeliūnaitė brings her artistic vision back to her hometown, Kaunas. Held in the vibrant setting of Kaunas Akropolis, the most important Event Square in town, this exhibition represents a significant milestone in her creative journey. Through expansive large-scale paintings, measuring 12 by 2 meters, Giedrė invites viewers to experience a serene oasis amidst the bustling energy of urban life.

The concept for "Urban Garden" was born from Giedrė's desire to create an unexpected retreat within the heart of a city. Intending to contradict nature and the urban environment, she carefully chose this setting to establish a harmonious contrast between organic elements and industrial surroundings. This powerful dialogue between the natural world and the cityscape unfolds across her canvases, creating a space for reflection and tranquility.

Giedrė’s creative process was both dynamic and intensive, spanning several months of preparation. Drawing from her background in dance, she began her work on the ground, channeling movement and rhythm into every stroke, allowing her brush to flow with the same fluidity as a choreographed performance. Each piece in this exhibition carries that sense of movement, not only capturing the visual beauty of urban green spaces but also embodying the spirit of life and transformation.

Transitioning from the floor to the wall, Giedrė meticulously refined her compositions, ensuring that the spontaneity of her initial gestures blended seamlessly with the intricate detailing of her final touches. The result is a collection of immersive paintings that breathe life into the exhibition space, enveloping viewers in the calmness of nature while reflecting the vibrancy of the city around them.

"Urban Garden" also serves as a continuation of Giedrė’s previous exhibition, "Kind of Blue," through her use of the color blue as a central theme. By recycling materials from other projects, she infused her work with sustainability, transforming what could have been discarded debris into meaningful elements of beauty and contemplation. This regeneration commitment mirrors a garden's essence—an ever-renewing space of growth and serenity.

For Giedrė, it was an honor to showcase this body of work in Kaunas, where she was born andd raised. "Urban Garden" not only reflects her deep connection to the city but also offers a moment of peace and introspection to those who pass through its busy streets. Through her art, Giedrė hopes to create a sanctuary, a place where the viewer can pause, breathe, and find solace amidst the chaos of modern urban life.