On Thursday, January 30th, at 6 PM, the Klaipėda Gallery of the Lithuanian Artists’ Association Klaipėda Branch (Bažnyčių St. 6) will host the opening of Volungė Aušra Griškonytė’s exhibition, ‘Pink’. During the event, the artist, together with curator Danguolė Ruškienė, will present photographs created between 1999 and 2024, featuring LGBTQAI+ individuals living in Lithuania. The photographer firmly opposes discrimination, highlighting the threats to personal freedom – a topic especially relevant amidst ongoing heated debates over the Istanbul Convention, the Partnership Law, the Law on the Protection of Minors from Harmful Public Information, and similar issues. Through her work, the artist addresses persistent efforts to restrict personal choices, hatred, discrimination, and the devastating consequences of such attitudes, including self-harm and suicide among not only adults but also children and teenagers. Social rejection, intolerance from close surroundings or even family, and condemnation often lead to feelings of despair and helplessness, sometimes culminating in tragic decisions. The exhibition underscores that a significant portion of society still lacks access to fundamental human rights, leaving many feeling unsafe. This is the artist’s debut exhibition in Klaipėda.
The title ‘Pink’ carries a dual meaning. It refers to the colour pink, a hue that bridges masculinity and femininity, reminding viewers that in the 14th century, pink symbolised masculinity and power but only became associated with femininity after World War II. Simultaneously, ‘Pink’ conveys a narrative about the ongoing discrimination faced by LGBTQAI+ individuals and its repercussions. Delving into their emotions, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships, the artist captures her subjects with a profound sense of personal responsibility. It is evident that this social milieu is not only close to her but also deeply significant. Her personal acquaintance with the photographed individuals allows her to intimately explore their lives. Griškonytė’s focus extends beyond LGBTQAI+ portraits to the relationships unfolding within this social context. Her perspective alternates between an external viewpoint, emphasising an outsider’s position and a surface-level interpretation, and a more analytical approach that resonates deeply when viewed through the lens of her subjects.
Volungė Aušra Griškonytė. From the series ‘Sluts’ (2000–2001)
The central photograph of the exhibition, ‘Pink’ (2024), portrays an androgynous figure symbolising the current societal situation in Lithuania, heavily influenced by stereotypes and attitudes shaped during the Soviet era. The artist emphasises that Lithuania’s Soviet past left profound traumas that continue to be passed down through generations. Even though today’s generation was born and raised in a free country, the lingering effects of past traumas are felt through family histories and collective memory. The stark contrast between these traumas and progressive thinking often leads to struggles with unresolved emotions, sometimes manifesting in self-harm or even suicide.
In Soviet society, collective responsibility and control were paramount, with individuals feeling directly dependent on state decisions and losing the ability to make personal choices. Although post-Soviet society seeks personal freedom, many still bear the weight of collective responsibility. This duality between dependence and autonomy can create internal conflicts that manifest as self-destructive behaviour, representing an attempt to find one’s place in a new social context. The impact of historical and cultural shifts on personal psychology varies widely. Some cling to values inherited from the Soviet era, while others strive for a progressive, free, and democratic life. Within this context, self-harm can be seen as a response to deep social and moral changes during a transitional period.
Volungė Aušra Griškonytė. From the series ‘Sluts’ (2000–2001)
Volungė Aušra Griškonytė’s photography occupies a unique space in Lithuanian photographic art, as she is one of the few artists consistently exploring issues of gender identity and LGBTQAI+ rights. Her interest in these themes dates back to 1999. Series such as ‘Sluts’ (Lt. Kekšės, 1999–2003) and later works go beyond exploring the complexities of gender identity. Addressing these issues, the artist highlights society’s reluctance – or even inability – to acknowledge urgent problems. Her position is clear: she advocates for equality and universal rights. Each of her photographs draws attention to the incomprehensible yet persisting problem of sexual minorities’ isolation, which continues to constrain their lives. It is a persistent absurdity that still exists. What is fair, and what steps must we take to persevere? The photographer boldly tackles sensitive topics, undeterred by the possibility of being misunderstood. Her work reflects both personal insight and a deliberate choice to communicate actively about society’s distorted notion of freedom.
Curator: Danguolė Ruškienė
More about the artist: www.volunge.info [1]
Exhibition duration: Until March 15, 2025
Organiser: Lithuanian Artists’ Association Klaipėda Branch
Gallery hours: Wednesday to Friday: 12 PM–7 PM, Saturday: 11 AM–4 PM. Closed on public holidays.