A. Petkevičiūtė: "Each of us is multi-layered"

May 26, 2024
Agna Petkevičiūtė, the winner of the spring Architectural Drawing Competition "Reincarnated Architecture", a second-year student of the Architecture Studies Programme of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), presented her work at the international art fair "Art Compensa". On this occasion, we asked Agna Petkevičiūtė to share the idea of her work and her new experiences.

– How did you decide to participate in the Architectural Drawing Competition? 

– Although I really wanted to take part in the competition, I didn't really know until the last minute whether I would take part in the competition: the busy study period didn't seem to allow me to enjoy art. But the period coincided with "burnout", and then you can't get away without art. The support of teachers and friends, especially the Students' Representatives, was also encouraging. Then I felt a great need to "vent" and to release my emotions, which were very close to the theme of "Reincarnated Architecture". 

– Art seems to be the main means of expressing emotions for you. Do you also use other ways to "unload" and find balance? 

– Maybe it's more a means of expressing various reflections, raising questions not only on a personal level, but also in a broader context: of national, regional or international importance. Art has a myriad of expressions and forms.Sometimes even seemingly obvious, technical things have artistic features. 

It is extremely difficult to strike a balance, because life is often at the intersection of parabolic and hyperbolic expressions. I try to choose to do things that really interest me, give me positive emotions and seem meaningful. That is why I am actively involved in the Students' Representation, constantly communicating students' positions to the administration, participating in competitions, and trying to see the world in a broader spectrum.

– Please share your idea for a competition entry.

– Catching the moment when I feel the blend of the ambiguity of reincarnated architecture and my personal feelings and thoughts was the most important for me. Perhaps this is reflected in the work. The process of creation was an important element, because I didn't know until the last moment what the final result would be. 

I constructed and created everything in layers, because each one of us, just like every building or urban structure, is multi-layered. I wanted each layer to be conceptually represented separately.

– The winner was awarded various prizes. Have you had time to use them all yet? 

– At the moment it's a period of reviews for everyone, so I haven't tried and used everything yet. I'm looking forward to enjoying the gifts and I'm very grateful for the appreciation and the awards.

I am now making the most of the opportunities I have been given to participate in "Art Compensa" and have a solo exhibition at the VILNIUS TECH Library. To be noticed by the jury and to participate in an international art fair with my own work is a great appreciation. There is also an exhibition planned for March 2025 in Gallery A of the University Library, so the creative path is definitely not standing still.

– Please share your experience at the Art Compensa International Art Fair. What are your deepest impressions or experiences?
 
– It was a great experience to be in such a large group of artists. Talking about your work and art with them is a real pleasure. Presenting your work to such a large number of people is a real challenge, but you learn a lot.

In general, a cultural experience like this, with art, live music, amazing performances, provocative themes – an environment that encourages you to see the world from a different angle. 

– Perhaps it was one or more artists who impressed you most at the fair? 

– It would be really hard to single out one artist, I met supportive and encouraging people whose insights and the art they create are truly amazing. Perhaps I would single out Klaudijus Pūdymas, who has been very encouraging to look at the wider world, to not stay only in a national context, to be international and to persevere.

– Will you participate in the Architectural Drawing Competition next year? 

– Definitely yes, because it's the best opportunity to create art and broaden your horizons without running away from architecture and studies.  

The Architectural Drawing Competition is organised annually by the Department of Architectural Fundamentals, Theory and Art of VILNIUS TECH. Author of the idea: prof. dr. Audrius Novickas. 

Participants and winners were awarded with prizes established by ART INN, Artseria, Lithuanian National Museum. The winner was invited to present her work at the international art fair "Art Compensa" and to hold a solo exhibition at the VILNIUS TECH Library.

More about the competition here. Results of the competition here.
News photo: personal archive

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Time-resistant student love: Emilija and Marius found each other at VILNIUS TECH
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Love from university days does not rust - this is something the heroes of this article unanimously agree on. For them, VILNIUS TECH (then Vilnius Gediminas Technical University) provided not only education, a circle of long-lasting friends, and countless beautiful memories, but also love.  Emilija Gaveniene and Marius Gavenas not only met here, but also got engaged during the diploma awarding ceremony - an event later even broadcasted on national television.  First of all, tell us how you met each other and your love story began. Emilija: Our story began completely by chance. In the summer of 2013, after finishing school, I received a call from the Student Representation of the Faculty of Transport Engineering. They invited me, a first-year student, to a freshmen camp. Without much hesitation, I agreed, although I had been admitted to the Entertainment Industries study program at the Faculty of Creative Industries. 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