Result

Kamanė's texts

FOUR DIVERSE PREMIERES 2010-06-14

The premieres of the 89th season of Kaunas State Drama Theatre, which ended recently, are very diverse by the genre and theme. The differences are also highlighted by the very dissimilar “origin” of creative groups of the four performances, the attitude to theatre, experience and individual stage biography. The fact that young people are creating under the roof of KSDT testifies about the open rather than rapacious position of the theatre. Meanwhile, the audience of the last theatre season could enjoy the diversity of the prey.

JAZZ MASTER D.PULAUSKAS DOES NOT EXPECT FAVOUR FROM MUSES 2010-06-06

D.Pulauskas: "I have an idea to play with birds now. It is possible. Veronika Povilionienė and I have recorded an album of lullabies, in which a nightingale is singing. I believe that I will succeed to communicate with birds."

KAUNAS IN EYES OF CREATIVE AMERICANS 2010-06-01

We love light in Kaunas the most – it is very strong. The light is really strong here in spring, summer and autumn. Something similar can be noticed in Denmark, which is surrounded by water, but not in other countries. Therefore, we believe that this phenomenon may be related with rivers in Kaunas.

15TH PAŽAISLIS MUSIC FESTIVAL: TRADITIONS CONTINUED? 2010-06-01

What was unusual? This time the opening concert of Pažaislis Music Festival did not draw crowds of listeners. All standing people had a perfect chance to sit down. Does it mean that the cultural tradition to attend the opening concert of Pažaislis Music Festival and to rejoice for its existence is weakening? Or perhaps it is a silent note of the audience that the festival of fifteen years could get slightly rebellious while it is a teenager?

ART FEAST FROM LITHUANIAN PARIS 2010-05-31

 

It is not enough for the painter to admire the interpretation of the environment created by him. The painter invites the viewer to see the banks, women, apples, blue Eifel tower loved by him. The Lithuanian Jew treats the viewer with his Paris, which is so tasty and French.

Z. MAŽEIKAITĖ: “POETRY – IS THE UNEXPECTEDLY VISITED FAVOUR” 2010-05-28

The winner of poetry festival “Poetry Spring 2010” Z. Mažeikaitė: “most of the time I spend in translating. Poetry – is the unexpectedly visited favour. You don’t know when or how, or where. You just get it and indulge in it. Translation is also a creative dizziness where you can feel the joy of creating. This pleasurable dizziness, creative favour is a gift that exhilarates and enriches. Everything seems so far and careless, you just feel the pleasure of creative process, feel the heroes, the world of a different creator. This is what is most important for me in creation”.

ABOUT NON-POPULARITY OF POPULAR LITERATURE II 2010-05-24

In brief: In the interview Mindaugas Grigaitis and Doc. Dr. Saulius Keturakis discuss the situation of popular literature, evaluation criteria, relation of academic literature criticism and popular literature, history and reasons of present spread of popular literature.

NIJOLĖ LITUANO FROM COLUMBIA 2010-05-17

Columbian art critics evaluate Lituano Nijolė Sivickas de Mockus highly. She was called “an artist giving birth to iron” in 1990. She burns clay in low temperature and uses metal. Works from burned soil – the new clay combustion technique was invented by her son Antanas Mockus. The titles of her works are abstract and philosophical. The artist gives titles to works for practical reasons; moreover, she believes that a title sets an artwork free.

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“MONOBALTIC” – BRIGHT MARK OF BITE ON THE BODY OF CULTURE 2010-05-13

“MonoBaltic“ could be called a festival-child as compared with the famous lord Kaunas Jazz; still, the festival calculating its second year only has strong and sharp teeth that left a bright mark of the bite on the cultural body of the city in four days.

“SCULPTURE OF THE YEAR'09” – TRADITIONAL DISHES DID NOT TEMPT ART LOVERS 2010-05-11

Even the tolerant S.Kuzma admitted that many works presented in the exhibition were not sculptures but “objects with features of art”. In the opinion of S.Kuzma, one of the most important problems of contemporary Lithuanian sculpture is the lack of wish or inability of young artists to take over the tradition of Lithuanian sculpture or at least the most outstanding achievements of it.

UNIQUE EVENTS REPLENISHED GALLERY OF KAUNAS JAZZ 2010-05-07

In brief: The biggest jazz festival of the country Kaunas Jazz celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. It appeared that the budget reduced by half was sufficient for the free programme of the festival on the outdoor stage and in churches, for the events of jazz fashion and fireworks, for good club projects and for inviting three mega-stars to the main stages of the festival.

TWO KAUNAS SCULPTORS AMONG THE BEST SCULPTORS OF 2009 2010-05-06

 

The best sculptors of Lithuania of last year were announced at Vilnius St. John’s Street Gallery on the 5th of May. They were elected from the authors who presented works for the competitive exhibition “The Best Sculpture of the Year’09”. Two Kaunas artists are among the winners.

ABOUT NON-POPULARITY OF POPULAR LITERATURE 2010-04-14

Many admirers of literature classics are concerned about the spread of popular literature. The level of literary and cultural consciousness falls with the increase of the number of “low literature” texts ostensibly. There is some truth in such statements; still, the criticism of popular literature is often pointed against the existence of such literature in general. There is no criticism which would analyse the Lithuanian popular literature seriously yet.

SAINTS HELP TO ENRICH PAINTINGS WITH LIGHT AND BEAUTY 2010-03-31

Catholics longing for artistic quality of religious pictures are constantly reminded: “Don’t worry, it is only a reflection, not the Mother of God or Jesus Christ.” Yes, we all know that an artwork is only a bridge, a reminder, help in prayer, indication to a Person. Why isn’t this applied to everybody? Cheap arthurts people; it is the same as to listen to a badly performed composition for a person who has an ear for music.

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WHY ARE AUTHOR’S RIGHTS OF ARTISTS STILL WITHOUT RIGHTS IN LITHUANIA? 2010-03-30

Authors’ rights of artists and the remuneration for the use of one’s work in an exhibition, catalogue, periodical press: how is it implemented in Lithuania? The essence and meaning of galleries and activity of exhibition curators consists of works of particular artists rather than a scenario of an exhibition created on paper. Why artists receive no salary for it? Are artists slaves of galleries? Why is the price of artist's authorship devalued?

THE BEST ACCORDING TO PRINCIPLE OF COMMONSENSE 2010-03-04

Is it possible to answer the question reasonably why one artist or work of art is better than another? What could we lean upon if we discard the subjective opinion, snobbish interests and criteria of short-term fashion and commercial success in the local market? In order not to invent the local bicycle again, Dr. R.Andriušytė invites to take a look at the world where the mechanism of establishing the value of an artist or work of art has already been invented and functions perfectly.

ABOUT TRUST AND “CIRCLE OF TRUST” 2010-02-26

 

The title of the exhibition of five artists presented in the lobby of Kaunas State Drama Theatre “Circle of Trust” inspired the author of the article to tell about the exam organised by the municipality for artists who were granted stipends: it is the trust in the artist that is missing today the most.

EMIGRATION AS THIRST FOR CREATIVE SPACE 2010-02-24

I do not want to fit into the trunk or a suitcase. When there are more prohibited things than allowed ones only due to the fact that there will be no possibilities to present it in some festival in the Emirates, I do not see any meaning in such work as a creator. Only earning of money remains; however, as I have told, I am not satisfied with this any longer.

JONAS VAITYS – PAINTER WHO SEARCHED FOR HIS ROAD ALL LIFE 2010-02-19

In brief: The exhibition of works of Kaunas painter Jonas Vaitys (1903-1963) formed from the collection of the Vaičiai family was organised in the private Stasys Juškus gallery in Vilnius this February. It became a pleasant surprise that made art admirers, collectors and art critics search for the road leading through snow to the gate of Sereikiškės Park.

SILENT WAITING IN TIME AND LANGUAGE 2010-02-09

Vytautas P.Bložė could be called a silent poet. It seems that his aim is not to chase literature fashions and marketing strategies but to be with poetry silently. Not much has been written about his poetry recently. Still, the poet is still writing. He observes himself calmly and attentively and waits patiently for a word which would illuminate the road to existence to him and others.

FIRST JUBILEE OF KAUNAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2010-02-08

Kaunas Symphony Orchestra, which prepared a complicated programme of a rather wide spectrum along with the conductor M.Pitrėnas, is worth the applause. The orchestra which has many strong musicians could present complicated and interesting programmes constantly.

WOODEN ARCHITECTURE – LIKE SIGNATURE OF LITHUANIA 2010-02-02

I contribute to the dissemination of Lithuanian culture by my work and turn attention to some valuable buildings. I paint wooden architecture, its original and outstanding features. Only Lithuanians can save wooden architecture in Lithuania; still, I do not speak like a passer-by: I live here. My paintings defend beautiful endangered things by the idea.

WHAT KAUNAS WILL LOOK LIKE ACCORDING TO THE NEW GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY? 2010-01-31

In brief: The second amendment of Kaunas City General Plan was considered in the first meeting of Kaunas Architecture and City Planning Experts’ Council (KAUET) in 2010. The amendment may determine the preservation or destruction of unique urban, architectural and natural values in Kaunas.

MARIANA VERIOVKINA AND KAUNAS 2010-01-18

M.Veriovkina and Kaunas is one of the unrealised or perhaps forgotten facts of multinational Kaunas culture history of the 20th century, similarly to episodes of Mark Chagall, Mstislav Dobuzinski or Fiodor Shaliapin. There are many descriptions and drawings of Kaunas in letters written by M.Veriovkina. There are plenty of Lithuanian motifs in her works, and titles of paintings remind to visitors of European museums about the relations of the artist with Lithuania.

TO BE WITH ANOTHER PERSON WHEN YOU ARE ALONE 2010-01-11

Even though there is only one hero of the book, it is an authentic story about two artists, Arūnas and Aušra full of fragments of a novel and real life, smells and vision. Such is the mood of the book, and it should be accepted in this way. The works of A.Vaitkūnas have a patron worth it, who is knowledgeable enough, loving and bold. It is the main stroke of the double portrait.

DISCUSSION ABOUT THE BEST POETRY BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2009-12-29

Doesn’t sincerely mean originally? I praise everyone who does not fear his/her natural, even though antique, feeling, who prohibits “desecration of a word” and who thinks before publishing selections of poems whether it would not be one more avalanche of words pressing down the reader. Poetry either exists or doesn’t. It is impossible to invent anything here, no matter what eloquence, expertise or arsenal of lexis you have.

K. SABALIAUSKAITĖ AND (HER) POPULARITY 2009-12-24

In brief: The majority of readers forecast that the winner of the Book of the Year is clear: the historical novel by Kristina Sabaliauskaitė “Silva Rerum”. Readers and critics agree regarding the popularity of the novel: it is a good example of popular literature. The debut book of K.Sabaliauskaitė usually receives only praise; however, when attempts are made to look at it more critically, inadequate reactions of apologists of the writer appear.

KAUNAS DRAWING EXPENSIVE BICYCLE ROADS AGAIN 2009-12-11

In brief: As long as we live in Kaunas, we may observe investments of the city municipality into projects of bicycle roads. They are washed away by rain again and again, and cyclers continue feeling unsafe. Now a new project is offered: the municipality has ordered a special bicycle road plan which was analysed by Kaunas Architecture and City Planning Experts’ Council (KAUET).

J.ERLICKAS: “I SING WHAT I SEE” 2009-12-08

The cover of the book "My Love in Glass Gumshoes” is designed “like a postcard with a memento written on the other side” according to the author. J.Erlickas says, that “it may be given to a beloved person or used for defence from a beloved person due to the weight. “Let uneducated people defend themselves by chumps and cultured people should defend themselves by books”.

TWO DIFFERENT STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE 2009-12-03

In brief: Two different stories about people – these are the impressions from the exhibition of Seamus McGuinness and Tania Candiani that was open at Meno Parkas gallery under the flag of Kaunas biennial “Textile09”.

“KAUNAS BOOK DAYS 2009” AND LONELINESS OF KAUNAS WRITERS 2009-11-23

The fair “Kaunas Book Days 2009” organised for the first time has ended. Not all participants were satisfied with readers’ attention. Kaunas writers who did not receive attention of the audience felt really lonely.

V.JUKNAITĖ: “IF YOU DON’T FIND YOURSELF, FORGET YOURSELF” 2009-11-23

The participants of the meeting with V.Juknaitė could purchase her newest book “Pronounced from the Dark”, the essence of which lies in the writer’s confession: “I tried to go to the edge of language, where there are no words, only whispering, mumbling and whining. Writing enabled me to come closer to reality that is behind the borders of language.“

MERKURIJUS SHOPPING CENTRE IN KAUNAS: 1983 – 2009 2009-11-22

A performance “Burial of Merkurijus” was organised in Kaunas Laisvės Alley. Its aim was to honour the commercial giant of earlier times that has already turned into debris and to memorialise one more work of the architect A.Sprindys that is being pulled down.

MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF MASTER OF FLAXEN SCULPTURES IN ALBUM AND EXHIBITION 2009-11-12

G.Gavenavičius continues the tradition of creating god sculptures and starts from their status in which they were left “by the time sharpening its teeth against their bodies”. The bundles of flax or other herbs, which are used for the artist’s works, really reminds of the surface of wooden god sculptures devoured by rain, wind and dust.

CREATIVE ADVENTURES OF PIANIST M.LÉVIN IN FATHER’S HOMELAND, KAUNAS 2009-11-11

Even though the recital of M.Lévin was quiet in Kaunas, it cost quite a lot to the organisers. The fortepiano of Fazioli company was transported from Vilnius specifically for the concert. We will not know how the concert would have resounded if the Petrof fortepiano present in the hall were used; still, it gives plenty of food for thought.

DELUSIVE TRIP OF POETRY TOWARDS EXISTENCE 2009-11-09

The title of the newest selection of poetry of T.Marcinkevičiūtė “K.E.LIONĖ“ (“T.R.IP”) seems to represent the search for new way of speaking about old things by its graphic view. The motif of “travelling” and "constant movement" is not new by itself; still, two letters separated from the word show that the trip is not only the moving ahead but also the attempt to overcome the gap between “myself” and another person. Is new sound found for traditional content in the entire selection?

CHURCH SQUARE IN ŠILAINIAI AND MUSIC PART IN JONAVOS STREET 2009-11-04

Is a square near Šilainiai Church necessary? Is the church capable of becoming closer to the motorway emotionally? Will the music park planned in Jonava Street, near the Neris and old town become the new city gate?

THE BEST YOUNG PAINTER IS FROM KAUNAS 2009-10-30

Winners of the competition “Young Painter’s Prize'09” were announced at Vilnius Pamėnkalnis gallery on the evening of the 29th of October. A.Zakarauskas, who celebrated his birthday on this day, was recognized the best (painting "Horizontal Strokes"). He was granted LTL 7 000 prize and was provided the possibility to organise a one-man exhibition at Pamėnkalnis gallery in 2010.

ENTWINE, THREADS, OR ARTISTS’ GAMES WITH THE AUDIENCE IN KAUNAS BIENNIAL 2009-10-29

Kaunas art biennial should create background for renewing cultural activity and invite like-minded people to discuss about culture of citizens. It should rally people of art and culture, awaken cultural life and let everyone share experience of other fields. The biennial “Textile’09” of this year tried to do this. However, is “Textile’09” the only that is capable/should/must do this?

LITERATURE AUTUMN: FROM TRADITIONAL “POETICAL AUTUMN OF DRUSKININKAI” TO ALTERATIVE “BETWEEN 2009-10-23

The members of the active alternative literature movement Žirklionis discuss their impressions experienced in the events “Poetical Autumn of Druskininkai 2009” and festival of audiovisual poetry “Between” seriously and with jokes. The young literature people, who searched for professionalism and sincerity in gatherings of poets, found even things they did not really want to find.

ELECTION OF THE BOOK OF THE YEAR: NOTES FOR READERS 2009-10-22

In brief: The election of the Book of the Year announced at the beginning of October became an unexpected piece of news for some people, like snow in the middle of the summer. Readers interested in Lithuanian cultural life should not be explained what this election is. However, even though the action is organised for the fifth time already, it happens that people hear about it for the first time.

DOTTED LINE OF CONTEMPORARY GRAPHIC ART IN LITHUANIA AND THE WORLD 2009-10-20

The usual digital print and creation of a view on a computer screen really causes the lack of more diverse feelings. One of such feelings is touching. Therefore, it is evident that digital technologies are not powerful enough to push out the live drawing from the stage of contemporary art that enables the viewer to recognise the authentic stroke of an artist’s pencil, pen or line in ink.

Č. LUKENSKAS PREVENTS ART FROM DYING IN KAUNAS 2009-10-19

One should say that the works Č.Lukenskas with their positive and negative features do not let the complicated, deep Kaunas art that leaves traces and scars die. We are speaking about art left by the “break generation” in the history of Lithuanian art, starting with Arūnas Vaitkūnas, Rimvydas Jankauskas-Kampas and ending with the activity of Post Ars group.

A POET – LIKE A STRATEGIST OF TEXT CREATION 2009-10-01

In brief: It is not a book that will let you enjoy the consumer-orientated feeling of reading. It will award you with new experience: mass culture is not derogated; it is being played with its symbols. Triviality and daily routine are harmonised with poetry. Language is not only a means of communication; it is a way of experimentation (the poet’s game with language reminds of avangardistic searches for the tetra-winders).

PAINTINGS OF E. MARKŪNAS AND THE BURDEN OF CONTEMPORARY VISUAL CULTURE 2009-09-29

In the paintings of E. Markūnas we can find sharp, retrograde courage. Things that ones have been important, almost sacred to the author are being ironized in his painting “The Drowned Pinocchio”. It seems like there is an intention to dispose of the past, disregard it. In this painting the author identifies himself with Pinocchio – a pictorial hero of his teacher, painter Antanas Martinaitis. E. Markūnas makes an irony of himself and “drowns” in the green waters of Kaunas.

ABOUT TWO CIRCUSES 2009-09-28

In brief: The absurdity of life is reflected purposefully, paying attention to the problems and not how to forget them. Let’s say, the rebirth of circus clowns: they do not make laugh, their jokes are angry, usually cruel, they perform paedophiles or serial killers. They do not create fiction of life, but present its interpretation.

TO SURVIVE WITH BRUSHES IN HAND 2009-09-25

It was easier to come back to the city with all burden and happiness of woman’s life than to take a brush to the hands again. The art environment and atmosphere of creation has changed much in Kaunas. The paintings of E.Velaniškytė are not contemporary. Colours do not dazzle the eyes, she uses no irony, does not invite into discussion, she does not care for global themes.

CREATIVE WORKSHOP FOR THE CREATION OF VISION FOR THE TERRITORY OF “LITUANICA” 2009-09-17

In brief: One of the biggest project developers and owners of realty in Lithuania UAB “Baltisches Haus” is making an open creative workshop “Lituanica” for the architects, urban specialists and landscape architects at the Old Town of Kaunas, between the castle and the bridge of Vilijampolė, near the confluence of the rivers Nemunas and Neris. The purpose is to create a vision of how to build up this territory.

PLEASURES OF LITERATURE FORUM “NORDIC SUMMER 2009: YES AND NO 2009-09-04

Perhaps we are desperate fanatics of literature as we were easily tempted by the intriguing invitation of the forum to experience “the great pleasure of masterly created text”. We all know that it is easy to get addicted to pleasures. Thus, we were caught in a trap. Now we have to satisfy the instinct of critical thinking and to tell what pleasures and disappointments we experienced in one of the most serious literature events of the year “Nordic Summer”.

PAŽAISLIS FESTIVAL ENDED HAPPILY: WITH QUESTION MARKS 2009-09-01

The 14th Pažaislis Music Festival was officially dedicated to the millennium of Lithuania’s name. Still, it remained unclear which event distinguished the festival of this year from thirteen former ones. One may surely use such a grand possibility to grant additional weight to constant activity. Still, are these the real rays of glory? Is there no danger to drown in them?

DIAGNOSIS: CREATED EN PLEIN AIR 2009-08-31

The end of the summer is the perfect time for discussion about plein-airs, creative camps and symposiums. It is an old and important tradition of European art; however, it has sadly changed almost beyond recognition now. It is time to evaluate the results of plein-air activity honestly and to reconsider the system of organising plein-airs.

PUBLIC SPACES: BETWEEN SOVIET MONUMENTALISM AND SUBURBAN LITHUANIAN CENSORSHIP 2009-08-20

In brief: Oppressive mood appears while walking in public spaces of Lithuanian cities. This mood becomes event worse in the public spaces of Kaunas, which has an exceptional history of culture. The public spaces of this city are extremely stagnant and restricted by monumentalism.

CLASSICS OF PAINTING LIVE: VILNIUS AND UŽUTRAKIS, ČIURLIONIS AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES WEISS 2009-08-12

This summer offered a number of wonderful exhibitions in Lithuanian galleries and museums. The variety of exhibited works brought back discussions about painting and history of art, collecting and buying of artworks to the press and parties again; exhibitions are visited several times in order to look at works closer.

FROM DELICATE CINEMA TO RUSSIAN BRUTALITY ON SCREEN OF KARLOVY VARY 2009-08-03

The 44th international film festival was organised in the resort town of Czech Republic Karlovy Vary in July. It revealed the entire palette of colours of contemporary cinema of the world. Post-soviet countries demonstrated surplus of frustration, Russians made one shudder by brutal films, while Lithuanians represented their country worthily.

ABOUT POETRY OF CANDIDATES TO LAURELS OF “POETRY SPRING ‘09”A: OPENLY AND ATTENTIVELY 2009-07-31

In brief: The literature youth of Vilnius University, Kaunas Humanitarian Faculty calling itself Žirklionis, the active literature movement of alternative direction, maturing openly under the wing of www.kamane.lt, discusses the poetry books of all candidates to the laurels of “Poetry Spring ‘09”. No victims yet, but burns are abundant.

BLESSING TO OPEN KAUNAS ARENA FACADES 2009-07-15

About new ideas of Kaunas arena facades: the aim to open up to the Nemunas river has finally become reality. The life of the city will come closer to the river so powerfully that one should only rejoice for it. The concept chosen by the authors not to declare themselves but to merge with the surroundings should be complimented.

BANKSY’S VANDALISM AND VOICELESS YOUNG VILNIUS 2009-07-08

Where is the revolt of young Lithuanian artists and their wish to change the world? We are still playing while creating the world of art. Simulation. It is written on the wall in Užupis: “It was the 21st century. We had names, paint, freedom, and nobody wanted to say anything.“

OBJECTS IN OLD TOWN AND PRAMONĖS AVE.: ATTEMPTS TO RAISE FROM CHAOS 2009-06-23

The road of every new architecture and city planning project to the city is like a constant attempt to raise the city from chaos. It is typical to considerations of projects of Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts’ Council in Kaunas old town and industrial quarter.

YOUTH OF LITERATURE CRITICISM – AGAINST MASS PRODUCTION OF “MAIRONIAI-SALOMĖJOS” 2009-06-16

In order to weed the bed of literature provincialism, the youth of literature criticism announces the end for all contemporary maironiai, salomėjas and similar “grands” of Lithuanian literature, to all epigones and graphomaniacs hiding heads under the aureole of “high culture”.

GO, THE MASS IS OVER 2009-06-08

It appears that the usual “Ite, missa est” may mean something else in addition to an end. Pažaislis Music Festival started in such words is going to be interesting and unusual. The future will show what it will be; on another hand, every end encourages to wait for a new beginning.

WHAT WILL KAUNAS CASTLE TURN INTO IN KAUNAS OF THE 21ST CENTURY? 2009-06-04

What is the future of Kaunas Castle? Should the remaining authentic features be restored or should a kitsch variant of Vilnius Royal Palace be created? In order to protect the most important historical sign of Kaunas from political speculations or other mad ideas, an unusually extensive meeting of Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts’ Council (KAUET) was organised.

CAUTION: ŽALIAKALNIS RESERVE AND HEART OF KAUNAS OLD TOWN! 2009-05-27

Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts’ Council (KAUET) considered the city development projects in Žaliakalnis, Vydūno Str. and in the Old Town, Jakšto Str. repeatedly. The discussions were hot in both cases as the decisions were vitally important for Žaliakalnis reserve and the heart of Kaunas old town. Arrhythmia is undesirable in both cases.

CRITICAL “KAUNAS JAZZ’2009”: REVIEW WITHOUT A HEADING 2009-05-12

Despite the rather abundant financial support, the more modest programme of Kaunas Jazz festival shorter by one day did not astound by extremely bright stars this year. The only figure of the global calibre Paquito D‘Rivera gave a concert with his “critical” band as well – with young musicians. There appeared to be so many traditions of the festival, that a thought arose about the unused possibility of the organisers to sacrifice quantity for quality. Perhaps some firework could be replaced by some musicians, who would be more expensive and of higher quality?

WHAT WILL RISE INSTEAD OF THE DILAPIDATED PERGALĖ FACTORY? 2009-05-07

What will rise instead of the dilapidated Pergalė factory? Who and how will create the neighbourhood of Akropolis and the Carmelites Church in future? Perhaps Kaunas municipality and the main city square will move there? And perhaps a Congress Hall will rise in this place? The application for use of the territory at Kaunakiemio Str. 5 is in the centre of attention of architecture and urbanism experts.

END OF SEASON AT KAUNAS DRAMA THEATRE. GAP IN CLOUDS? 2009-05-05

The truthful dramatic reality becomes one more romanticised story that neutralises the critical thinking of a spectator. The audience accepts the stage action as an action pleasant to watch inevitably, and the performance loses its critical social load. From this point of view “Locusts” comes near the dangerous border of production of popular series, when reflections of reality are multiplied according to wishes of the audience.

DISCUSSION ABOUT THE CORNER OF SAVANORIŲ AVE./AUKŠTAIČIŲ STR. AND NEIGHBOURHOOD OF CARMELITES CHURCH 2009-04-24

The object of discussions of architecture experts is the future of the commercial object an the corner of Savanorių Ave./Aukštaičių Str. and the perspective of the administrative-commercial building in the neighbourhood of the Carmelites Church: is creative sensitivity of architects sufficient? May heritage protectors be calm?

ARCHITECT E.MILIŪNAS – ABOUT THE UNION OF MAN AND GOD IN CREATION 2009-04-07

“Real architecture, as I understand it, must always solve architectural tasks which surpass the daily logic of a man. These are situations when it is not enough to lean upon scientific knowledge, intuition, fantasy – it is necessary to invoke something that may hardly be described in words, something sacral,” believes the architect E.Miliūnas.

FRAGILE VALUES AND BORDERS OF KAUNAS NEW TOWN IN THE FACE OF MIGHT OF THE 21ST CENTURY 2009-04-06

The object of the hottest discussions of Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts’ Council (KAUET) is the fate of Kaunas new town: concept of Kaunas new town heritage protection regulation and the study “Searches for the Urbane Model of Kaunas New Town” presented by Algimantas Miškinis.

PSILICONE THEATRE: PUBLIC GAME AND LAUGHTER AS AN ANTIDOTE 2009-03-31

Humour of the Psilicone Theatre is like an antidote. Appalling views flood a man from the screen every day. Psilicone Theatre uses a very similar method, multimedia, but it applies it in a positive way. The aim is to decontaminate the negativity of the environment by a gale of laughter and playing.

DISCUSSION – ON THE WAY TO THE VALLEY OF SCIENCE AND BUSINESS “CONFLUENCE” 2009-03-13

In brief: Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts’ Council (KAUET) dedicated the entire meeting to an untypical work: the discussion of works of finalists of the architectural contest that had already taken place “Integrated Science, Studies and Business Centre (Valley) “Confluence”.

HANDS THAT MAY CREATE MIRACLES 2009-03-02

The Georgian shadow theatre looks as innocent as the silent childish love in the contemporary technological world. Perhaps this is the reason why it is so attractive and is still incredibly clean. As the director of Budrugana Gagra G.Kandelaki said, the actor of such a theatre needs special spiritual cleanliness as only such a person may use energy correctly.

ATTENTION OF EXPERTS OF ARCHITECTURE TO KAUNAS NEW TOWN 2009-02-28

The first meeting of Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts’ Council of year 2009 was dedicated to bold visions of urbane future of Kaunas new town and the conversion of the unfinished Soviet hotel-ghost at Kęstučio Str. 26 into a multi-apartment house.

IN THE SHADE OF ALGERIA, OR PEOPLE WITHOUT HOMELAND 2009-02-19

Perhaps A.Camus was right saying that “everything that inspires to live increases the absurdity of life at the same time“. Is such a “happy ending” projected in the “Return to the Dessert”? The audience leaves the performance puzzled – as if somebody took away the emotional charge which was promised publicly at the beginning.

WHAT DO THE YOUNG PROPHETS OF APOCALYPSE TESTIFY? 2009-02-17

Literature may contain signs of philosophy, psychology or religion. When these signs are subtly used in the integral texture of the novel, an attractive and persuasive story may be created. Unfortunately, the authors of “The Grave of Nostradamus” fail to achieve this.

MIRROR, TELL US WHO'S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IN THE WORLD, OR ABOUT TIME-WARP 2009-02-06

Every prize may easily become an anti-prize, should the ideological scheme or conjuncture change. Who is proud of names of Stalin, Lenin, USSR national painters? When electing the best and other works awarded by prizes, we are playing one-day games. Meanwhile, recession of serious artistic ideas is evident in exhibition halls.

COMING GENERATION OF THEATRE: FROM DIAPERS DIRECTLY TO CORRIDA 2009-02-04

Speaking about the problem of establishing the position of theatre youth, about the place of students’ performances in the theatre system, one problem is evident in Lithuania – the lack of a special students’ theatre. A theatre that reflects the educational process may not be related with commercial expectations or pushed into creative institutions uniting professionals.

ABOUT CREATIVE LOVE TO GLASS 2009-01-25

Glass as a creative material hypnotises by its mystery. It is a sublime and patient material. It is important to learn to manage various technologies of processing glass. If you work with love, glass is always able to surprise you.

NEW ARCHITECTURE – BETWEEN TALENT AND...? 2009-01-24

The winners of the contest of the Lithuanian Union of Architect “The Best Diploma Works of Architecture Students of 2008” were students of VGTU G.Gylytė (project “]city[ Prison in Pagiriai, Vilnius“) and V.Rinkūnaitė (project “Crematorium in Vilnius”). Kamane.lt has received information that the idea of the crematorium project caused doubts among architects that it had already been seen somewhere ostensibly. Is career started from plagiarism? Is this possible? Let the doubts be dispelled by the impartial comparison of information.

ONE MAY FEEL IN OASIS OF TRANQUILLITY IN A MULTI-APARTMENT HOUSE TOO 2009-01-23

“There may be no casual details in the interior. A chair inside should not frown on clouds flying outside the window. They should be friendly and help owners rest, communicate and rejoice," the architect D.Čiuta is sure. He created an interior in a new multi-apartment house in Žaliakalnis for a family of Kaunas inhabitants, where the flat owners feel as if they were living in nature.

NEW LITHUANIA RUINS FOUNDATIONS OF ITS VALUE RELENTLESSLY 2009-01-13

The Lithuanian Association of Art Historians organised a survey of its members “The Best and Worst Buildings of Independence Period in Historical Surroundings”. Radical reconstructions have destroyed originality of old buildings irreversibly, entire urban monuments are being ruined (e.g.,Vilnius Užupis, Žvėrynas sections, Kaunas New Town and Žaliakalnis). The examples of best reconstructions are from Kaunas.

VILIS NORMANAS: ARTISTS ARE NOT NEEDED IN LITHUANIA 2009-01-11

The author known under the pseudonym of Vilis Normanas, who started his life in one Lithuanian province in 1985, who finished the Bachelor studies of philosophy at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas and who became known as the author of novels and polemic articles early, has already become frustrated in Lithuania. The readers of his novels “Whisper“, “Sanctity”, “Grave of Nostradamus“ and articles in the press arising hot discussions do not still know the real name of the author and other details of his life. A message was spread now that the young incognito decided to leave Lithuania.

LEADERS OF CREATING KAUNAS OF 2008 – ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER 2009-01-09

The thought expressed by a clever but careless man once that there are artists and artists from habit became extremely topical in Kaunas on Friday. It was the first time that representatives of architecture, mother of all arts, and design creating contemporary life aesthetics and self-respect won the election of the most memorable artist of Kaunas during the period of more than 10 years instead of artists of the usual art genres.

ATTEMPT TO SQUEEZE INTO OLD TOWN OF KAUNAS - STILL UNSUCCESSFUL 2008-12-30

The attempt to squeeze into the old town of Kaunas is still unsuccessful. Principles should be followed. The presented space decision is incorrect, the entrance place is unsuitable, the volume is too big. Urbanism rather than aesthetics is the most important. The majority of experts preferred the offer 1, everybody criticised the solution of the attic, too contrasting accord of two volumes, unoriginal segmentation. The conclusion: there is no integrity; no historical development of the land plot and quarter has been presented.

CITY THAT HAS BEEN FORGOTTEN BY ITS WRITERS TOO 2008-12-23

Perhaps reality is too banal and too dirty to writers for them to step down from the shining ivory towers. Of course, the creators' imagination is free and does not have to obey requirements of readers. Meanwhile, readers may only hope that they will discover themselves and their city without insights of “the talented conglomerate” while wandering along tenebrous streets of Kaunas.

FUTURE OF THE NEMUNAS ISLAND – IN HANDS OF KAUNAS INHABITANTS 2008-12-22

The future of the Nemunas island in Kaunas is in hands of Kaunas inhabitants themselves. The Public Enterprise Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts’ Council (KAUET) grants the possibility for people to decide regarding the perspective of the unique city territory.

ABOUT NEW KAUNAS WELFARE FOR INHABITANTS AND AUTHORITIES 2008-12-21

Even 7 versions, where Kaunas City Municipality should be located, and finally green light for a residential quarter with administrative buildings at Brastos Str.14 – this was the result of the penultimate meeting of Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts’ Council (KAUET) in 2008.

YOUTH TO THEATRE OR YOUTH OF THEATRE? 2008-12-17

Released energy, authenticity, uttered internal truth – a live performance stimulating imagination and belief in what you are doing may be born only from this. One may only hope that the new actors’ course will find their own director and that Kaunas Drama Theatre will discover its personality attracting young people as well as everybody searching for the “real door”.

"KAUNAS IN ART: CONTEXTS" – EXCESSIVE ROMANTICISM AND SARCASM WITHOUT VISION OF FUTURE 2008-12-16

Artists of various countries got acquainted with Kaunas using the Internet. Therefore, an impression is formed that the participants of the project “Kaunas in Art: Contexts” are inclined to romanticise the past of the city, its personalities or they trend to nihilism registering the disappearing originality of the city. The curators regretted that the creators did not reveal Kaunas contexts lively enough, they did not present any futuristic or utopian ideas or works related with Kaunas.

EXAM OF NEW ARCHITECTURE IN VILIJAMPOLĖJE AND NEAR KALNIEČIAI PARK 2008-12-12

Shortage of ideas is felt in project offers of Vilijampolė Commercial centre and multi-functional complex of buildings in the neighbourhood of Kalniečiai Park, they lack conceptual and aesthetical depth, urbanistic arguements. This was the decision of Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts‘ Council.

MEGA SURROUNDINGS AND NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE CARMELITES CHURCH NEED TO BE IMPROVED 2008-12-08

Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts’ Council (KAUET) did not approve of Mega development project and the new administrative and commercial building near the Carmelite Church.

IN MEMORIAM OF A.VAITKŪNAS. MAY 14, 2005 2008-11-28

Absolute silence descended in the heart, mind and thoughts. Everything broke off… I stopped fearing for anything. Arūnas died in a small street of N.Izashvili in Tbilisi. This was the place where he left Earth. Mountainous, proud Georgia and endless distances of skies with the painted kite flying in the wind invited Arūnas to continue the endless trip.

IN MEMORIAM OF A.VAITKŪNAS. GEORGIA, 2005 2008-11-27

Later Arūnas pronounced strange words: “It is egoistic to attach to one person, even if he/she is the dearest person. One has to love all people, like it is stated in the Bible. Whatever happens, we are always together.”

IN MEMORIAM OF A.VAITKŪNAS. ARŪNAS’ INTERVIEW. 2004 2008-11-26

When you do not know how a painting is born, you feel sense in painting. If it were possible to find it out, there would be no meaning to create. The best works were painted without thinking about painting at all. One does not think how to paint, one thinks what he paints. A good painting has to be like a swamp which pulls you in. You go deeper and find no ground, like in a quagmire.

CAR SERVICE CENTRE AS THE CITY GATE 2008-11-13

Kaunas Architecture and Urbanism Experts’ Council (KAUET) approved of the idea of the new car service centre as the City Gate even though its architectural expression still lacks originality, emotion and colours.

WHEN THE TRADITIONAL MUSIC ROBE IS CAST OFF 2008-11-12

Sometimes contemporary music may be compared with scientific articles on new inventions. At the beginning it seems that only the inventors and their colleagues are capable of understanding such an article. Time is needed until the discovery is put to use. Still, one may not forecast how much time will be needed. Perhaps this secret serves as attraction to take interest in new tendencies in art and music. The need often emerges from habit but may also appear from curiosity.

PAINTING HAS DIED? LONG LIVE THE PAINTING! 2008-11-11

The works of Konstantinas Gaitanži are the caricature of contemporary society heading towards self-destruction. K.Gaitanži stresses the influence of comics style on his works. It is vividly expressed by colours, flat painting and literature features of paintings. Still, vapidity that the artist perceives in contemporary society has impact on the form of his works insensibly.

PLANE CONVERSATIONS 2008-11-11

Blue woman: What svamis, get down to earth. Lithuania is suffering from moral and economic crisis! Hush, cat, do not laugh! What will become of the nation fed with such art? No thought, no meaning, who gave permission for demonstrating the pornographic “art” of low morale and of the level of colour books? I'll address responsible institutions and call journalists as this may not be left unnoticed. (The power disappears after two minutes).

AMUSEMENT PARK OF SENSES 2008-11-07

“Art + Art of Communication. Sound”: the use of sound is not any novelty in art. The theory of synesthesia was considered some century ago, and contemporary art of installations utilises sound material more and more frequently. Still, view is not art as sound by itself is not music yet. What is colourful noise then? Why iron blind cradle with a barred window is safe?

ART + ART OF COMMUNICATION = CHALLENGE + CHALLENGE 2008-11-07

Attempts to express thoughts and emotions occurring to a spectator in sound remind of staged applause and laughing in cheap comedies and shows. Irony is not the only method to attract a spectator – the art of communication may not be imagined without secret of pauses and quiet moments. Therefore, the project “Art + Art of Communication. Sound” serves as a challenge.

MUSICAL TURNS OF ALL SOULS DAY 2008-11-06

Are performers guilty themselves that they are cast to the depth of music with a friendly wish not to drown without a lifebelt? And perhaps it is the perfunctory attitude of concert organisers that Kaunas residents will be satisfied with anything. Unfortunately, nobody wins in either of the cases if a festival of professional frustration is offered instead of concentration on All Souls Day.

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