International exhibition: Ex Libris. Restored Lithuania 100
International exhibition: Ex Libris. Restored Lithuania 100
In 1918, February 16th Lithuanian Council has declared the restoration of independent and democratic Lithuania with capital Vilnius, and separated this country from all state connections with other nations. 2018 we celebrated the 100th anniversary of this Act.
This year a great deal of cultural events are dedicated to a special Lithuania jubilee. However rather often such dedication of Lithuanian democracy, freedom and peaceful communication with foreign countries appears to be formal, even bureaucratic at times. In contrast, we couldn’t say this about this bookplate competition. Bookplate is a specific type of graphic art that requires indicating and analyzing distinct subjects and objects. This time the object is Lithuania itself, more specifically, its nature, architecture, science, art, and other aspects of the culture.
The artists were able to choose between 70 different institutions which nourish Lithuanian prosperity. The artists hat to give a meaning to their purpose, activities, influence on the lives of society and country, and react to Lithuanian topicalities and states of various spheres.
35 artists from 15 different countries were participating in this contest. Due to the rather incoherent geographical pattern and sparse representation, it’s rather difficult to notice various artistic tendencies belonging to a specific country. However, it probably wouldn’t be very sensible – every author is an independent person who has unique worldview and artistic style.
The content and esthetical variety of the winners opens a discussion about the democracy in art. Democracy or the lack of it in art, just like mirror, reflects the state of the country, the proportions of freedoms and rights. Professionalism, talent and personality pierces event to the smallest of the creations. Creativity can be seen not only in his/hers initiated creation, it blooms when the dedication and topic doesn’t grow over the uniqueness of the author and his/hers ability to improvise. This exhibition of the bookplates proves – democracy is present in the country and its art.
The exhibition at Central Library of Vilnius City Municipality (Žirmūnų st. 6) will be on from 2nd of December until 3rd of January.