Artūras Šimonis | THE CITY OF SAD CHILDREN

Artūras Šimonis’s works are no strangers to the LDS “Arka” Gallery: several years ago, when he participated in the scenography exhibition “Navigation,” he emerged as an artist who sensitively bridges the realms of theater and independent creation. Then, as in this exhibition, his exceptional abilities as a draftsman, painter, and set designer—who delves into themes of identity and masculinity—were revealed.

In introducing his exhibition, the artist states:

“The central themes of the exhibition focus on the crisis of contemporary fragile masculinity and the identity of the ‘inner child,’ as well as psychological and emotional trauma, reflections, and experiences of the external environment. The exhibition seeks to explore these and other aspects of the themes and issues through the expressive means of scenographic representation. The technical task of the exhibition is to convey imagined realities, the world of the imagination, and a reimagined scenographic landscape within a social context, utilizing installation compositions, various objects, theatrical props, and other means of expression. The exhibition aims to enable the viewer to create a subjective space of imagination through their personal experiences and traumas, contemplatively engaging with the collective narrative of the imagined world being created.”

Arturas Šimonis is one of the most prolific Lithuanian set designers, whose work extends beyond the theater stage. He actively participates in various festivals and exhibitions, designs events, and, like many artists working in the collective arts, gives free rein to his creative ideas through painting. He has repeatedly experimented with independent creative work in theater, testing the boundaries of the artist’s role in theater: he selected plays himself, directed, created sets, costumes, and lighting, and applied computer technologies. His talent has been recognized and honored on multiple occasions with nominations for the “Golden Stage Cross” (2014, 2015, 2024) and an award (2007), and he has won “Fortūna” prizes (2014, 2017, 2024) and theater festival diplomas (2010, 2013, 2017, 2017, 2021, 2023).

– Dr. Raimonda Bitinaitė-Širvinskienė