The exhibition “Out of Touch” , part of the “Ryšiai” Mental Health Arts Festival, opens at the Radvila Palace Art Museum in Vilnius on Thursday, September 14th at 6 pm.
This exhibition showcases thirteen artworks from both Lithuanian and international artists. Each piece delves into varying mental health topics, emphasizing the interplay between mental struggles and physicality—how our mental experiences can shape our bodies and how our bodies can pave the way for lasting transformations.
In today’s world, many struggle daily with anxiety, insomnia, depression, and burnout. While conversations about mental health are happening more often within the Lithuanian community, many mental health issues remain taboo. Consequently, individuals often withhold personal experiences to shield themselves from potential bias and harsh judgement. Despite knowing that empathy and understanding can restore emotional equilibrium, societal pressures intensify feelings of shame, isolation, and fear, further exacerbating mental difficulties.
Karolina Zakarauskaitė, the founder of the “Ryšiai” festival and an exhibition curator, states: “The exhibition ‘Out of Touch’ explores the interplay between psychological experiences and physical manifestations. It’s a raw display of young artists conveying their deepest anxieties, exploring themes such as climate change, impermanence, and the frenetic pace of life. This exhibition urges viewers to confront their innermost emotions and to create support through shared experiences.”
Karolina Latvytė-Bibiano, another exhibition curator, adds, “Our primary objective is to enhance understanding of the intricate relationship between mental health and artistic expression, showcasing art as a medium for healing and connection.”
“This exhibition encapsulates the essence of the entire festival. It mirrors the comprehensive program, which contemplates themes like anxiety, depression, identity, and more through various mediums like discussions and performances,” states Karolina Latvytė-Bibiano.
Karolina Zakarauskaitė elaborates, “The festival’s intent is to diversify how we discuss mental health. We invite the public to engage through various senses—sight, sound, touch, and smell. We hope every participant finds their unique path to being involved.”
The “Out of Touch” group exhibition features works by international artists such as Terézia Lomnická (Slovakia), Milan Prokeš (Czech Republic), Maria Matiashova (Ukraine), Dima Tolkachov (Ukraine), Ana Teodora Popa (Romania), and Lithuanian artists Ieva Rižė, Dovydas Laurinaitis, Liucija Dervinytė, Sandra Kvilytė, Ieva Stankutė, Laima Kulbytė, Emilija Dirsytė, Gabrielė Gudaitytė. The artists, some Vilnius Academy of Arts graduates, were selected for their openness to discussing mental health.
Karolina Zakarauskaitė shares, “We’re delighted to introduce personal mental health narratives from beyond Lithuania. For instance, I discovered T. Lomnicka’s works in Rome, where she vividly depicted her personal anxieties.”
This year’s “Ryšiai” festival invites participants to immerse themselves mentally and physically, to understand and communicate their emotional boundaries. The program encompasses films, dance performances, readings, open mics, discussions, and workshops, culminating on October 10, World Mental Health Day.
This project has been generously funded by the Public Health Promotion Fund, overseen by the Ministry of Health.
