Ceramics Will Bloom in the Gallery

From June 10 to July 3, the gallery of the Marija and Jurgis Šlapelis House-Museum will host an exhibition by artist Ingė Talmantienė (b. 1948) titled BLOOMING CERAMICS.

This is one of those rare cases in today’s world of fast consumption and fast art, where an artist’s work resonates with professionalism, subtlety, and meticulous execution. Both painting and ceramics have long harmonized in the artist’s life, but Inga Talmantienė began painting on her ceramic pieces only five years ago.

Inge describes her creative journey best herself, with few words but great clarity:
“When I realized in childhood that I wasn’t just drawing for fun but actually studying art at the M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts, I started drawing everything around me, thinking everything changes, disappears, and must be captured. I didn’t think then that paper burns faster than the objects drawn on it. Now I draw in much the same way, though I understand that household vessels are fragile and temporary. I began drawing and painting plants from my surroundings—my room and kitchen—onto those vessels, and this process has continued for five years. I mostly draw from nature. Sometimes I redraw plants I’ve sketched on paper onto white clay.”

For nearly a month, visitors to the museum gallery will have the chance to stroll through the blooming meadows of Inga Talmantienė’s floral world—occasionally smiling as they recognize gardens from their own childhoods, and at times surprised by how delicately and unexpectedly the temporary becomes eternal.

The artist extends her gratitude to Ramunė Balašovienė, Vida Juškaitė, Dovilė and Mindaugas Ryla, and Vygantas Vasaitis.

Photographs by Mantas Talmantas.