Pushing the boundaries of the imagination is what artists sometimes do best. Gediminas Pranckevicius, to name only one, creates a story by using some of the strangest definitions of life.
From dreamlike worlds with trees growing from the earthen sky to dilapidated buildings perched precariously on the edge of an underground ocean, Pranckevicius recreates what we think is real. It’s almost as if what we know is fantasy and his digital representations are the new reality. Let’s take a closer look at how he works his magic.
What we first see when we view the artwork of Pranckevicius, a Lithuanian artist/illustrator, is his attention to detail. Although his work isn’t the best example of minute detail work, his lines and layers add a dimension that the viewer can almost feel.
The structure of the artwork is concise, making each line and shade draw the viewer deeper into the story, and the story is a meaningful one – we think. As the viewer sees one interpretation, another is soon developing in the opposite corner of the canvas.
His composition is startling. Pranckevicius moves in from underneath, from the corners and the sides pulling his new world into the spotlight. The center of the canvas is only a small portion of the meat of the picture. Often times, the most startling images erupt from areas of the canvas most often used for supportive fragments of the whole. What an innovative way of creating something unforgettable, wouldn’t you think?
The mood of Pranckevicus’ work is something to ponder on as well. While most artists bring work that is either optimistic or pessimistic, Pranckevicius brings us a story lit by soft light, portraying a neutral sort of comfort.
There are, however, moments in the compositions that harbor dark undertones. It’s a feeling that cannot be expressed without expression and gifted hands. Pranckevicius’ colors are soft as well, muted with a bright splash of color, highlighting the star of the work, or the focus rather.
Without words, the artist is able to draw the conclusion that you may not have the correct interpretation at all. Are you sure? That’s the jest of it, you cannot be sure of what you think Pranckevicius means. Could it be that he wishes to confuse you after all and that not all works of art have some hidden meaning?
Either way, Pranckevicius’ work is astounding, embedded with skylines, figures and natural wonders. Here you see worlds unknown, scattered across familiar landscapes designed to make the viewer question his own logic. What are you seeing? What does Pranckevicius mean?
Sometimes, the message is unclear and you just want to enjoy the pleasure of the artist’s work, and that’s perfect! There are many pieces by this innovative artist to thrill your artistic palate, so make sure to make time to absorb what you see! Enjoy!
Image credit: Gediminas Pranckevicius
