To a performance in Poland, by the warm sea, after flying to land in Cyprus (Ghent, Tallinn, New York, Gotland Island) on a tree branch. More precisely, on the roof of the Museum of Contemporary Art. With a canvas bag on his shoulder, in which (as Roland himself would ask us, guess three times, what, gentlemen?) is, of course, a book. There may also be a bottle screwdriver bought in Tbilisi before our era, a piece of cheese. All the ingredients are needed by the narrator as he gazes at the horizon at the prestigious location of his personal cultural capital.
But death also makes plans. Unfortunately, indestructible. She chooses people who have just arrived. Organized domestic life. It feels calm, planning the further perspective of being in the here and now. They are thinking about the upcoming autumn birthday. Plans books to be written and read. In the evening, they may have even spent time in the festive city square, where the spectators seemed more alive than the living. Death walks silently. In the Old Town street with inaudible steps. At night, when there is no passer-by. To make it more comfortable for the chosen specific figure, she sometimes wears disposable museum slippers on her legs. There is no window in front of the apartment of the chosen victim, you could shout and wave at the silhouette of a familiar person appearing in it. In front of you is a school that is quieter than silence at night.
The great effect of RoRos was to create a celebration. First of all for yourself, but also for others. Sometimes out of nothing. Sometimes – rehearsed impromptu. Sometimes – thought out precisely. Such a celebration once took place at the “Northern Summer” forum in Jurbarka’s Church of the Transfiguration of Christ, when he read excerpts from Paul Bowles‘ novel “Heavenly Refuge”. Later I thought about the effect there: the text is not RoRos, the film behind it is Bertolucci, the music is by a person who even in the paper forum app wanted to remain anonymous. But I knew that without Rastauskas there would not have been a trace of that uplifting festive literary atmosphere.
When we met in the streets of the city, I was also overwhelmed by the impression of a celebration, because the street (a fair, a cafe, a bookstore, my own home) became a stage for RoRa. It wasn’t him who got tired of her, but the scene got tired of him. From his energy, his frenzy, his charming and sometimes ruthless wit of the highest level, delivered on the spur of the moment, made up of the art facts of rummaging, reproducing, recreating and pouring into the loom of fantasy. This, but not only this, connects this writer with another great essayist, Kęstučis Navak. After the death of K. Navakas, R. Rastauskas wrote: “Maybe this is where his greatness lies – he believed until his last breath that beauty can save the world even when only one person believes in it.” In part, it was a romantic attitude that did not separate beauty from truth.” Roland’s own relationship with truth, I think, was much more cynical and completely sober. Despite the foam of aesthetics covering the dramatic essence. I am quoting Rastauskas’ obituary for Navakas and I am sure that the phrase until the last breath – RoRos appeared on the keyboard while JLGodard was also brooding. The mundanity between fact and artefact binds those writers particularly closely.
Another, much more important, effect of this writer is that he has outsmarted death after all. RoRa will continue to read Bowles in the haven of heaven, now in her own private domain, and death will die of jealousy. Until you’re skinny as a scythe. Well, it was not possible to defeat Rorik. And it won’t for many more years. He created the holiday for a long time. As his favorite Hemingway (according to Rastauskas, Hem) said, it is a holiday that is always with you.
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#Giedra #Radvilavičiūtė #Outsmart #Death #Culture
2024-09-05 22:06:33
The Artistic Journey of Rolandas Rastauskas: Celebrating Life Beyond Death
Introduction
Rolandas Rastauskas, a celebrated figure in contemporary literature and performance art, invites us into his world through a lens of celebration, introspection, and an uncanny relationship with mortality. In this article, we explore the intricate details and anecdotes surrounding Rastauskas’s artistic journey, tracing his steps from vibrant performances in Poland to poignant reflections in the streets of Cyprus and beyond. Full of vibrant imagery and profound insights, Rastauskas’s work serves as a reminder of creativity’s ability to flourish in the grim realities of life.
The Creative Landscape: From Poland to Cyprus
Picture this: Rolandas arrives in a picturesque coastal setting in Poland after a whirlwind journey through cities like Ghent, Tallinn, and New York, landing atop the Museum of Contemporary Art with a canvas bag slung over his shoulder. Inside, one can only imagine the treasures he carries—a book ready to be devoured, perhaps a bottle of Tbilisi’s finest wine, and a delectable piece of cheese. As he gazes at the horizon, the weight of inspiring thought flows through him, marking a moment of artistic serenity against the chaotic backdrop of modern life.
The Shadows of Mortality
But alongside these serene moments, Rastauskas poignantly points out that death is never far away. The specter of mortality looms over those with grand plans, harbingers of a life that seems to stretch infinitely ahead. Busy with poetry, books to be written, and celebrations yet to come, individuals often forget that death walks silently amongst them. As they immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of the city square, the stillness of the night reveals the quiet coolness of death, adorned in museum slippers, haunting the dark corners of familiar streets.
The Essence of Celebration
Rastauskas believes that art should ultimately be a celebration. His performances carry an ambient energy that can turn mundane moments into vibrant celebrations. Take, for example, the “Northern Summer” forum at Jurbarka’s Church of the Transfiguration of Christ, where vivid readings from Paul Bowles’s “Heavenly Refuge” transformed the atmosphere, energizing every attendee. This moment illustrates how the act of creation can elevate the human experience, leaving a lasting impression that resonates deeply with those present.
The Art of Connection
The thematic connection Rastauskas shares with other literary giants, such as Kęstučis Navakas, is equally significant. His reflections post the untimely passing of Navakas affirm a shared belief—that beauty remains a critical force in the world, even when its existence feels tenuous. Rastauskas’s cynical but sober tongue adds a unique depth to this belief, crafting a narrative that bridges aesthetics with raw truth.
Death and Its Paradox
Yet, in a sensational twist, Rastauskas suggests he has outsmarted death. His works, much like a celebration of life, suggest that even in death, one can find a way to grasp onto creativity and inspiration. Through literature and performance, he crafts not only a personal legacy but a universal narrative—one where the essence of life continues to thrive beyond its physical confines. In Rastauskas’s narrative, there exists a holiday that is not bound by the limitations of time.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Celebration
Rolandas Rastauskas’s artistic journey is a form of resistance against the inexorable approach of death—a testament to the power of creativity, celebration, and connection. His life and work weave a rich tapestry filled with moments that challenge us to discover beauty in the mundane and find joy amid the shadows of mortality. As his spirit continues to inspire future generations, we are reminded of a singular truth: the holiday of creativity is always with us.
By understanding and embracing Rastauskas’s perspectives, we are encouraged to live passionately and authentically, crafting our own legacies against the backdrop of time.
With this intriguing blend of personal reflection, cultural critique, and creative storytelling, Rolandas Rastauskas offers an emotive exploration of life, art, and the eternal dance with death. For enthusiasts of literary art and philosophy alike, his journey serves as a beacon of hope and imagination, illuminating the paths we walk each day.
