Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis: a genius cursed by fate?

The exhibition of his work on at Dulwich Picture Gallery at the moment is brilliant. (south east London, until 12th March). I hadn’t heard of him before going and it was well worth it.

It’s really inspiring stuff. For example, some pieces are music and art somehow surreally combined. The paintings are part number line, part landscape, part musical stave. If you like maths/music/art and have a sense of how they can fit together, you’ll won’ enjoy it. Go!

https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibition...

It's stunning how masterfully he integrates ethnographic motives in his works, how fantastical yet familiar the imaginary landscapes feel. As a kid, I found them deeply inspiring. Visiting his namesake gallery last year, I could appreciate how "Lithuanian" it all felt to me. This post makes me want to revisit and explore the more musical parts of his œuvre.

There's a short VR film "Trails of Angels" https://angelutakais.lt/en/

" The virtual reality film "Trails of Angels", the winner of prestigious international and national competitions, is a work by Kristina Buožytė and Vitalijus Žukas, dedicated to the creations of the artist, composer, and pioneer of abstract art Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. "

Available in Lithuania and in couple of locations in US

One of my favourite artists. A superb synthesis of uncanny, mystical surrealism. His work reminds me of Alfred Kubin (another favourite) - it's less grotesque, but shares the same unsettling vibe. Wonderful!

A few years ago there was an initiative by Laisvės TV to have Vilnius airport renamed after him. Alas, it went nowhere :(