In the joint exhibition at the Perspevctive Galerie, the creators delve into the wide range of human states caused by the instability of today’s world, searching for answers to existential questions.
Although it cannot express being directly, using existing diverse semantic sign systems, such as text and image, conveys its states feelingly and suggestively.
The opening of this exhibition was attended by photography professionals visiting the Paris Photo art fair from all over the world, representatives of photography galleries in France and other countries, curators, art lovers, Lithuanian and foreign diplomats.
The opening speech was given by the head of “Perspevctive Galerie” Geraldine Banier, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to UNESCO, Ambassador Jolanta Balčiūnienė, head of the French publishing house “Le Soupirail”, which publishes books by Valdas Papievis in French, Emmanuelle Moysan.
During the opening, other events of the Lithuanian cultural season in France 2024 were also discussed and shared.
In the exhibition, the synergy of photography and literature gives the authors of the project an opportunity to penetrate deeper into the being of modern man, to feel the fragility of this world.
The relationship between text and image is the subject of art theory: often the text complements the image, and the image becomes an illustration of the text. In this case, photography and literature interact on an equal footing, allowing the authors, using the tools of their mediums, to create effective metaphors for human existence.
In their work, the authors are not limited to personal experiences, Paris or current events. The invitation to stop, listen to yourself and try to hear the other is universal.
The gallery exhibits 20 diptychs, consisting of Mindaugas Gabrėnas analogically printed photographs taken by the author himself, taken in various areas of France, and thematically matching excerpts from Valdas Papievis’ handwritten novels published in French.
The exhibition will be on display at the Perspevctive Galerie (54 rue Jacob, 75006 Paris) until November 22. November 13 6:30 p.m. another event will be held in the gallery – the literary evening of the writer Valdas Papievis, with the participation of the translator Caroline Paliulis and the soul of the publishing house “Éditions Le Soupirail” Emmanuelle Viala Moysan.
Aistė Marija Macaitė/J.Balčiūnienė V.Papievis M.Gabrėnas – (from left) Permanent Representative of Lithuania to UNESCO, Ambassador Jolanta Balčiūnienė, authors of the exhibition Valdas Papievis and Mindaugas Gabrėnas at the Paris gallery “Perspevctive Galerie”
Participants of the project, which is part of the Lithuanian season in France 2024: Valdas Papievis, prose writer, translator, laureate of the National Culture and Art Prize. The author of the novels “Autumn in the province”, “One summer emigrants”, “Eiti”, “Odilė, or the loneliness of airports”, “Brydė”, “Ėko”. The novels “Go” (Un morceau de ciel sur terre) and “Come” were translated into French (Le Soupirail publishing house).
Mindaugas Gabrėnas is a Lithuanian photographer, diplomat, currently living and working in Paris.
Themes of eternity, time, memory and oblivion are reflected in the work. The author works with traditional analog techniques, experiments with alternative photographic processes, presses photographic prints himself.
Mindaugas Gabrėnas has organized several personal exhibitions in Lithuania, USA, France, Germany, Denmark, participated in many group exhibitions, his works are published in photography publications.
Currently, the author collaborates with Robin Rice Gallery (New York) and La Galerie des Photographes (Paris).
Karolina Masiulis-Paliulis – a writer, actress, translator, Francophonie fosterer, heiress of the historic J. Masiulis bookstore, laureate of the French Legion of Honor, born in Paris. The translator of the novels “Eiti” and “Ėko” by Valdas Papievis into French.
Project partners: Publishing House “Le Soupirail”, Gallery “Perspevctive Galerie”, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Lithuania to UNESCO.
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#Synergy #Lithuanian #photography #literature #presented #Paris #Culture
**Interview with Valdas Papievis and Mindaugas Gabrėnas on the ‘Human States’ Exhibition at Perspevctive Galerie**
**Editor:** Thank you both for joining us today! Your joint exhibition at the Perspevctive Galerie has already made quite an impact. Can you tell us what inspired the theme of “human states” given today’s turbulent world?
**Valdas Papievis:** Thank you for having us! The theme emerged organically as we were exploring the shared human experience in times of instability. We are confronting profound existential questions, and our artwork serves as a reflection of these states. We wanted to create a space where people could stop, listen, and connect with their own feelings as well as those of others.
**Mindaugas Gabrėnas:** Exactly. While photography often captures a moment, and literature tells a story, we’ve found a unique synergy in combining the two. The 20 diptychs we are showcasing allow the audience to engage deeply, creating metaphors for human existence that resonate universally.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! You mentioned the relationship between text and image. How did you decide on the particular excerpts from your novels to pair with your photographs, Mindaugas?
**Mindaugas Gabrėnas:** The photographs I took in various regions of France evoke certain moods and emotions. I carefully selected excerpts that complemented these visuals, ensuring both elements speak to each other and enhance the overall narrative. Rather than just illustrating the text, we wanted both to coexist on equal footing, enriching the audience’s understanding.
**Editor:** The opening event was attended by numerous important figures, including diplomats. How do you see the role of such cultural exchanges in fostering relationships across borders?
**Valdas Papievis:** Culture acts as a bridge. In a time when many feel divided, sharing our stories and art can foster understanding and empathy. The attendance of diplomats and professionals at our opening is a testament to the unifying power of art and literature. We hope that this exhibition is not only an artistic statement but also a catalyst for dialogue.
**Mindaugas Gabrėnas:** Absolutely. The inclusion of both Lithuanian and international voices in this exhibition reflects our commitment to a broader conversation about identity and humanity amidst globalization.
**Editor:** The exhibition will be on display until November 22. Are there any special events planned during this time that our readers should look forward to?
**Valdas Papievis:** Yes! On November 13th, we’ll hold a literary evening where I will read excerpts from my works, accompanied by our translator Caroline Paliulis. It promises to be an engaging experience for those who appreciate literature and how it intersects with visual art.
**Mindaugas Gabrėnas:** I encourage everyone to attend and experience the dialogue between our mediums first-hand. It’s an opportunity to delve into the fragility of the human experience—a theme we believe is more relevant now than ever.
**Editor:** Thank you both for sharing your insights. It sounds like an incredible exhibition that resonates with the audience on many levels!
**Valdas & Mindaugas:** Thank you! We hope to see many people come and engage with our work.
