As the Lithuanian cultural season in France draws to a close, the Lithuanian painter and street artist Linas Kaziulionis has unveiled his solo painting exhibition “Shadow Realities” in Paris. This marks the artist’s second solo show in the city. Last year, Kaziulionis was introduced to the French public for the first time at H Gallery, which has now presented his latest works. The exhibition opening drew Parisians, Lithuanians living in France, visitors to the city, and French art enthusiasts and collectors who have already encountered and fallen in love with Kaziulionis’ art.
Continuing themes explored in his previous works, Kaziulionis delves further into the realm of conspiracy theories in this exhibition. Several years ago, he began a series that imagined a fictional chemical substance called “The Controller,” from which a complex conspiracy narrative emerged. Subsequent exhibitions explored the behind-the-scenes mechanisms of conspiracy creation, including the concealment of evidence. Over time, his paintings have become increasingly abstract, reflecting how truth becomes ever more elusive in the flow of contemporary information.
In the current Paris exhibition “Shadow Realities,” Kaziulionis stays true to his core creative focus—the exploration of conspiracy theories. Drawing from real-world conspiracies circulating globally, the artist crafts compelling stories for each work, immersing viewers in a utopian, mysterious, and ambiguity-laden contemporary world.
“Through my work, I invite viewers to reflect on how fake news and conspiracy theories shape our perception of the world. My creations encourage an exploration of hidden aspects of reality and provoke thought about the influence of information on our daily lives. This is a space for critical thinking and personal interpretation. I am incredibly happy and grateful for the opportunity to hold my second exhibition in Paris. Returning here and presenting my work is both a great joy and an honor. It’s an opportunity not only to showcase the evolution of my art but also to establish a new dialogue with the audience,” says Linas Kaziulionis.
After the great success of Linas Kaziulionis’ first exhibition in Paris in September last year, H Gallery owner and gallerist Hélianthe Bourdeaux-Maurin decided to represent the artist in France. According to her, “Linas Kaziulionis is one of the most talented young painters of his generation in Lithuania, and H Gallery is proud to present this unique artist in France. His work stands out for its original interpretation of the complexities of our world, both in form and theme. His sources of inspiration range from science fiction to 1930s photography. He blends the visions of an ultra-technological world with those of past eras that appear more romantic and beautiful. With his distinctive style—both contemporary and timeless, expressionistic, vibrant, free yet meticulous, figurative yet bordering on abstraction—he explores themes rarely addressed in painting. Among these are globally circulating conspiracy theories, discord between individuals, and the influence of state and government propaganda. The exhibition encourages visitors to critically examine the narratives they encounter, reflect on the societal consequences of distorted information, question the veneration of authority that can lead to intellectual misdirection, and consider the impact of divergent political perceptions.”
According to Julija Palmeirao, the art historian who curated Linas Kaziulionis’ exhibitions in Paris over the past two years, the artist’s painting style is both unique and recognizable. Knowing that Kaziulionis began his creative journey with graffiti and street art sheds light on why his works feel so timely, engaging, and deeply reflective of the chaos and peculiar madness of contemporary life. Each canvas resembles a small world, encompassing entire cities and their realities, interwoven with fake news and conspiracy theories that pervade modern existence.
“Street artists often have a keen sense of contemporary life, as their creations are directly embedded in urban spaces where social, cultural, and political influences converge. Working in public spaces, they quickly respond to current events, conveying them authentically and free from institutional constraints. Their works, combining traditional visual elements with modern themes, reflect today’s reality, filled with technology, social issues, and globalization. Easily accessible to diverse audiences, street artists not only capture the pulse of the moment but also invite reflection. Linas Kaziulionis’ ability to transfer this approach to painting on canvas is truly unique,” says the curator.
The project is part of the Lithuanian Season in France 2024, organized by the Lithuanian Culture Institute and the Institut Français.
The exhibition will run until January 16, 2025, at H Gallery, 39 rue Chapon, 75003 Paris.
Photography: H Gallery
