Česlovas Lukenskas’ “PO-PO”: A Visual Territory After the Collapse of Humanity

On September 3, Česlovas Lukenskas’ exhibition “PO-PO” will open at Vilnius Town Hall, accompanied by the performance “PO-PO”. One of Lithuania’s most prominent interdisciplinary artists, Lukenskas explores the dialogue between fragility and destruction. His latest works – “krematai” (burnt works), collages, assemblages, objects and “motographic” drawings – examine the state of “after”: after an event, after a word, after a structure.

“It is a visual territory after the collapse of humanity,” says Č. Lukenskas. According to the artist, the exhibition is “not about beauty, but about truth”, while charred textures and collected objects resemble archaeological finds from a civilisation yet to be named.

The exhibition consists of five parts. “Algiukas’ Heart, Which Was a Home” speaks of the struggle for life and becomes a symbol of hope. “Little Skulls” reflects on the tragedy of children dying in wars and on human cruelty. “Stained Glass Windows of Hell” is connected with February 24, 2022, and explores human fears and inner struggles. “Carpets of Consciousness”, created from analogue film strips, addresses informational catastrophe, propaganda and the struggle for human attention. “Krematai Figurines” transform charred oak figures into symbols of memory and new life.

Česlovas Lukenskas (b. 1959) is one of the pioneers of contemporary interdisciplinary art in Lithuania and a founder of the avant-garde art group “Post Ars”. His works have been exhibited in Lithuania and abroad.

The opening of the “PO-PO” exhibition will take place on September 3 at 6 PM at Vilnius Town Hall. The “PO-PO” performance will be presented during the opening.