Istorinė Atmintis Prano Griušio Tapyboje
Historical Memory in the Painting of Pranas Griušys

Summary/Abstract: The article analyses in the historical painting of the older generation Lithuanian artist, P. Griušys. The aim of the research is to reveal peculiarities of his creation and to define what image of historical memory is formed by the artist. The reasons for the choice of concrete historical moments are revealed, and the meaning of scenes and features of his artistic expression are explained. The study discovered that the image of Lithuanian history created by P. Griušys covers a wide period of time. It spreads to the moments of the most important battles in Grand Duchy of Lithuania, to the hope of independence and religious strife in the 19th century, and it seeks political upheaval at the end of the 20th century, which brought changes in people lifestyle and their enviroment. The choice of the painted historical events is not based on the commemoration of anniversary dates. The basis is the inner motivation of the artist, which through different aspects actualize historical past. Visually the most innovative and interesting group of P. Griušys painting is distinguished in the research. In this group, we see a responsible approach to historical facts, an attention to detail, a precise and realistic painting style combined with elements of post-modern expression, such as quotations from previous art styles, playful interchangeability of motifs and forms of visual expression or light joking when historical past is associated with the present. This is a new trend in our historical consciousness, which is enshrined by P. Griušys pictorial legacy.

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