Exhibition of works by sculptor Jacques Lipchitz opens in Vilnius

An exhibition showcasing eight sculptures by the renowned 20th-century Lithuanian-born artist Jacques Lipchitz has opened at the Samuel Bak Museum in Vilnius. The works, made of plaster, terracotta, and other delicate materials, will be on display until July 22.

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It is very important to me that not only a world-class artist returns to his homeland, but that Lithuania rediscovers those artists who were born under the Lithuanian sun.

Sergejus Kanovičius, director of the Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum, highlighted the significance of the exhibition, stating, "It is very important to me that not only a world-class artist returns to his homeland, but that Lithuania rediscovers those artists who were born under the Lithuanian sun."

The sculptures, valued at 9 million euros, were loaned from the Valencia Institute of Modern Art. Aivaras Poška, head of exhibitions at the Samuel Bak Museum, noted the value and fragility of the pieces, requiring strict adherence to preservation requirements during transport, including climate control and secure resting places.

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These works are special because they show the symbiosis of color, form, and material – how J. Lipchitz saw the world when creating one sculpture or another, what he wanted to say with it.

This Vilnius exhibition is part of a broader tribute to Lipchitz on his 135th birthday. Another exhibition featuring four additional sculptures will open in Druskininkai, at the museum named after him, also running until July 22. Aušra Rožankevičiūtė, one of the exhibition curators, explained the dual-city approach was inspired by Lipchitz's letters mentioning both Druskininkai and Vilnius as important places late in his life, creating a "cultural bridge of memory."

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Those sculptures are indeed very valuable. However, their value is also related to their fragility – we had to fulfill many different requirements set by the Valencia Institute of Modern Art.

The displayed works reflect Lipchitz's artistic evolution, his playful use of forms, and elements of Cubist classicism, alongside existential reflections. Key Cubist features are evident, particularly in the depiction of the relationship between people and musical instruments. Some pieces also echo the political tensions in Europe and the looming threat of World War II, reflecting the realities of the 20th century.

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Celebrating J. Lipchitz's 135th anniversary, we wanted to create an exhibition connecting two cities in Lithuania that were important to him, which he mentioned in his letters late in life.