Kazys Varnelis's library: A new perspective on the artist

The personal library of artist Kazys Varnelis is emerging as a significant lens through which to re-examine his life and work. A bookbinder, A. Braziūnienė, shares her intimate knowledge of Varnelis, detailing a relationship that began in 1998 when his extensive collection was first brought to Vilnius.

“

You need to get your doctorate!

Braziūnienė first encountered Varnelis through the Martynas Mažvydas Bibliophiles Club. Initially impressed by the uncataloged collection, her collaboration deepened around 1999-2000 during a map exhibition at Vilnius Town Hall. Varnelis himself reached out, seeking her expertise to describe his maps, initiating a friendship that involved many evenings spent recording his stories.

“

A library is a reflection of our personality.

Encouraged by Varnelis and Professor Domas Kaunas, Braziūnienė pursued doctoral studies, focusing on Varnelis's library. She describes Varnelis as a reserved and taciturn individual, characteristic of his Žemaitian heritage. He was selective about whom he confided in, a trait that made gaining his trust challenging for some, including an art historian who wished to write about him.

“

Books describe the owner in a literal sense.

Despite the initial difficulties in communication, their collaboration resulted in Braziūnienė's monograph in 2008. She emphasizes the concept that a library is a reflection of one's personality, a principle well-suited to Varnelis. Beyond his collections of art, furniture, porcelain, paintings, and oriental artifacts, his library was a crucial component of his identity, revealing his professional interests as an art instructor in Chicago and his innate talent as a curator, evident even from his early work at the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art.

“

She came, sat down with a questionnaire and started asking questions. Why should I answer her?