The Gallery (AV17) celebrate its 14th anniversary and invites visitors to the opening of the exhibition ‘Little Apocalypse of Mine’ by the gallery’s long-standing artist, Rafal Piesliak, on January 30th at 6 PM. The event will also feature the presentation of a new gallery catalogue.
Rafal Piesliak is a well-known creator of sculptures and installations, whose artistic approach is characterised by a focus on universal sociocultural phenomena. In his works, the sculptor sensitively examines themes related to interpersonal connections, environmental change, and the fragility of memory. By repurposing discarded household and industrial objects, he imbues them with new meaning, offering a conceptual exploration of the consequences tied to these themes. The artist places significant emphasis on the relationship between the artwork, the exhibition space, and the viewer. By incorporating elements of light into his structures, he highlights their formal and aesthetic qualities, enriching the visual perception of the space.
Rafal Piesliak, ‘It could be a flower, but it’s not’, 2020. Photo by Jonas Balsevičius
In his solo exhibition ‘Little Apocalypse of Mine’, Rafal Piesliak presents his latest installations, which explore the accelerating pace of technological change and its impact on society. The artist’s works delve into a universal and timeless discourse, avoiding superficial discussions of computer technologies or artificial intelligence, focusing on deeper aspects of the theme instead. The exhibition features installations made from light objects and old industrial components that are increasingly rare in modern manufacturing. Through engagement with these objects, the artist unveils underlying issues associated with technological progress, particularly those tied to both individual and universal experiences. By returning to obsolete technological elements, the sculptor emphasises the ongoing transformation of tools, professions, and the labour market, as well as their impact on personal human lives. Presented works transform gallery spaces into evocative environments, drawing the viewer into an active engagement with the exhibition, awaking collective memory. The post-apocalyptic feeling of the exhibition offers an intuitive immersion into the perception of the works and the discovery of a personal connection with the changing world.
Rafal Pesliak (b. 1983) graduated from the Vilnius Academy of Arts in 2008. Piesliak has been in active presence within the international art scene, with solo exhibitions in Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, Italy, Germany, among others. His works have become an important part of various public spaces. In 2010, he was awarded Polish State Award for Cultural Merits and in 2020 he received the best ArtVilnius’20 installation/sculpture award for the artwork “Garden”.
Rafal Piesliak’s ‘Little Apocalypse of Mine’ exhibition will be on view until March 6 at the (AV17) Gallery, Totorių str. 5, Vilnius.
