Gutauskas Leonardas
Leonardas Gutauskas was born in 1938. From 1957 to 1965 he studied at the Vilnius Institute of Art. Since 1967 – a member of the Lithuanian Artists’ Union. Since 1976 – a member of the Lithuanian Writers’ Union. Since 1989 – a member of the artists’ group “Group 24”. The writer and artist was awarded the State Prize in 1981, the Writers’ Union Prize for the best work of 1990-1991 was awarded to the novel The Necklace of Wolf Teeth (first book), in 1995 awarded the Stasys Šimkus Prize for the poems “Colored Cycle” by N. Sinkevičiūtė, in 1998 he was awarded the Art Prize of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, in 2001 – the National Prize.
Paintings
The themes of Leonardo Gutauskas’ paintings are close to those Lithuanian artists who find creative ideas in ancient myths, legends and folklore. His works emphasize spiritual peace, a non-conflicting relationship with reality, which is rarely found in Lithuanian painting, full of emotions and temperament. Finally, the fact that such values are possible in the dynamism of the turn of the century and the stressful conditions of humanity is a feature of L. Gutauskas’ work.
A very serious and sacred atmosphere prevails in Leonardo Gutauskas’ canvases. The themes of his works, telling about the soul’s journey to another world, allow viewers to experience this special mood. By the way, this theme is found in Lithuanian folk painting, sculpture and graphics. The atmosphere of the works is intensified by laconic symmetrical composition and the shapes of the few objects used in the paintings (candle, angel, book, Mother of God). These forms are distinguished in three ways: they are archetypal, i.e. less important things are not depicted, the image is purified; they are rough as if chopped with an axe; they are unique, but retain their archetypal nature. Two more things are worth noting. First, Leonardas Gutauskas is able to combine Lithuanian archetypal forms with Egyptian ones, thus weaving the roots of both cultures into a single image. Second, the roughness and severity of his paintings have a certain sophistication, luxury and heavenly brilliance, which is achieved with the help of colors. That is why to the question “What color is Heaven?” we can give a serious answer: “It is the color of ice” (ice is mythical water).
In addition to painting, Leonardas Gutauskas also creates poetry, prose, and illustrates his own poetry and prose books. He has published 8 poetry books, 13 children’s books, 3 novels, and texts for 5 musical works. L. Gutauskas, as a writer and artist in one person, best reveals himself in his children’s books. His illustrations in children’s books reflect his stylistic development in painting. The author succeeds in establishing a close relationship with young readers. Many of his books have a special preface for children – a sonorous, rhymed epigraph.
Symbols of several cultural traditions intertwine in L. Gutauskas’ paintings. No motif can be perceived directly. The artist seeks to return the sacredness of painting, which it has lost in modern times.
Exhibitions
L. Gutauskas has held 12 personal exhibitions. Since 1965. He participates in various exhibitions in Lithuania and abroad – in Hungary, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Latvia.
