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Photographer Greta Skaraitienė's professional jubilee marked by exhibition of 1998 Vilnius
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Culture & Society

Photographer Greta Skaraitienė's professional jubilee marked by exhibition of 1998 Vilnius

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Official statement New plan
  • Photographer Greta Skaraitienė celebrated her 30-year professional jubilee with an exhibition of her 1998 Vilnius photographs.
  • The exhibition, titled "Vintage Vilnius," captures the city's atmosphere and people during a period of change.
  • Skaraitienė, who initially came to photography by chance, has documented Lithuanian life for three decades.

Photographer Greta Skaraitienė marked her 30-year professional milestone with a special exhibition, "Vintage Vilnius," showcasing her evocative images from 1998. The collection transports viewers back to a pivotal year in Lithuania's history, a time when Valdas Adamkus took the presidential oath, the tradition of celebrating February 16th moved to the balcony of the House of Signatories, and the Republic of Užupis was founded. The streets of Vilnius still featured payphones, and alongside newer models, "Zhiguli" and "Moskvich" cars shared the road with more modern vehicles.

I wanted to show not only how Vilnius looked but also how it felt. The most important thing in these photographs are the people. Their faces still reflect the period of change, but at the same time, there are smiles, curiosity, and the freedom that had already firmly settled in our hearts.

— G. SkaraitienėDescribing the focus and feeling of her "Vintage Vilnius" exhibition.

However, the exhibition's true focus lies not on the city's landmarks or historical events, but on its people. Skaraitienė explained her intention: "I wanted to show not only how Vilnius looked but also how it felt. The most important thing in these photographs are the people. Their faces still reflect the period of change, but at the same time, there are smiles, curiosity, and the freedom that had already firmly settled in our hearts."

Skaraitienė's journey into photography began unexpectedly 30 years ago when she was offered a summer job. "Photography found me!" she often says, reflecting on her career. While she initially aspired to be an art teacher, she embraced her path in photography, which has allowed her to capture countless stories of Lithuanian culture, society, and daily life. Her work has particularly focused on Vilnius and its inhabitants, cementing her reputation as one of Lithuania's most prominent press photographers.

Photography found me!

— G. SkaraitienėReflecting on her unexpected entry into the field of photography 30 years ago.

The exhibition is supported by "Rinvest," a real estate development company that contributes to the city's present and future. Their latest project, the "Bukčiai" residential quarter, aims to blend respect for local history and environment with modern living standards, creating a dialogue between Vilnius's past and its evolving urban landscape.

It was the best thing that ever happened to me.

— G. SkaraitienėExpressing her satisfaction with her career in photography.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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