A walk in the Šiauliai region is like a journey in a time machine: the drawings on the walls tell unknown stories

Where do they come from?

There are many examples of mural painting in Šiauliai. Some remained from the Soviet period, others emerged in recent years. And although it is now difficult to agree with the owners on the appearance of new drawings, the need for contemporary art remains high.

Ancient drawings are relevant today or painless legacy

“Falcon’s sharp eyes …”, advertisement for photo studio Vasario 16-osios str. 57 facade (author Saulius Kuzma, ~ 1980), “We are the hosts of the city” decorative panel P. Cvirkos str. on the blind wall of a residential house (author Algis Milašauskas, 1985), decoration of the building of the House of Health Education Vasario 16-osios str. 49 on the facade (author Stasys Gabalis, designer V. Puronas, 1978) are just a few examples of ancient wall paintings in Šiauliai, it is estimated that there were as many as 20 of these drawings.

Even a few Šiauliai people know the stories in these drawings. The “Sounding Graffiti” excursion (guide J. Sobutienė) tells about this street art in the city. Various itineraries are prepared, drawings are included in the tour plans and only complement the stories of the guides. After all, it is part of the city’s history, visible to all but unknown, it is written in a press release.

It will be until the renewal and the time does not change

When asked about the fate of the old drawings, Šiauliai-based art critic Virginijus Kinčinaitis said that the art on the external walls was doomed to change because the buildings and facades were changing. “It would be very difficult to save them. Several works that have survived the miracle are unique, not found in the center of Vilnius, they are very old signs of the identity of the city of Šiauliai. Now they are complemented by new murals, but they will also disappear when the buildings are isolated or rebuilt, so I don’t think their disappearance should be dramatized. This is the fate of temporary art, “said V. Kinčinaitis.

The Alfonsas Zaleskis guide has similar opinions: old drawings about what it was are mentioned. “Everything is changing, so those borders must change.” The time and the renewal will be yours, ”said the guide.

The aforementioned renovation has eroded one of the most impressive works on the boulevard: a mural next to the ice rink called “Malkine”. It was like an extension of a pedestrian street.

On the other hand, not only the old drawings disappear: the same fate occurs in today’s drawings. The illustration of the Rimantas Kmita novel The Southern Chronicle “Marozai” in the city center was a favorite background in the photo shoots. However, after isolating the house, the drawing was hidden under a thick layer of plaster. Artist Žvėrūnas’s double-headed bird appeared on the door in the wall of the Museum of Photography. But at the moment, there was only half left for someone to take off the pieces.

Contemporary drawings in Šiauliai appeared in the Šiauliai Art Gallery during the plein air “Sun Abduction”. Information about the drawings can be found here.

In the Šiauliai region – drawings illustrating the area

Joniškis is decorated with frescoes.

Although street art is found mainly in big cities, the towns of the Šiauliai region can boast of a much better offer and not of inferior works.

The countrymen return, the students draw and the towns decorate. In Joniškis, the city walls are decorated with frescoes.

1. Fresco “People of the Joniškis culture”. Joniškis Pedestrian Boulevard is decorated with a fresco by the region’s most prominent cultural and artistic people. From the walls of the old cinema building, passers-by Matas Slančiauskas, the painter Adomas Varnas, the writer Marius Katiliškis, the famous Jewish actor Lorensas Harvėjus and the Lithuanian actor Laimonas Noreika from the Joniškis region look at passers-by.

2. The fresco of the historical personalities of Joniškis is the first historical fresco in Lithuania. This fresco reflects the entire development of the area and the city of Joniškis: from the beginning of Semigallian history, becoming a city of Christian civilization until the granting of self-government. Three important people in Joniškis’ history are represented here: the Duke of Žiemgala Nameisis, the Bishop of Vilnius Jonas of the Dukes of Lithuania, and the King of Poland, the Grand Duke of Lithuania Zigmantas III Vaza.

Street art demonstrations in Žagarė

Walking through one of the oldest cities in Lithuania, Žagarė, you can discover the manifestations of street art in the most unexpected places. All drawings, sculptures and installations were created during the artists’ plein airs and Žagarė Finge festivals.

Let’s admire them, here is a list of where to find attractions on the walls:

Kęstučio st. A sculpture by Andrius Knystautas, created during the artists’ residency “Žagarė 03”, looks at the Žagarė Gym

Ant Tilto g. 1 house shows the work of Tadas Šimkus, presented during the artists’ plein-air “Žagarė 03”.

In the city a. A drawing representing a part of the same Plaza de la Ciudad opens in 16 houses, 2012-2013. made during the residency of the artists of Jonas Laurišonis “Žagarė 04”.

P. Cvirkos g. House number 44 “flourished” with colorful rings painted by Tadas Šimkus during the Fringe Žagarė Festival and the artists’ residence in 2015.

City a. 36 The wall of building B near the Žagarė Cultural Center was “decorated” with cherry blossoms by Lithuanian graffiti pioneer Tadas Vincaitis-Plūga during the Fringe Žagarė Festival and artist residency in 2017.

From Šiaulių st. 5 The walls of the house are “looking” in the spirit of the Žagarė Manor Park, created by Fernández Rodríguez Wilder, painted during the Fringe Žagarė Festival and the artists’ residence in 2019.

In Kražiai – the facade of the cafeteria is decorated

The bare wall of the café became the perfect backdrop for an expressive street art piece. Vilnius artist Artur Širit presented Kražiai with a brightly colored “Harvest”. According to the author, “data harvest” has a double meaning: the harvest of the usual harvest (fruits and berries), and the other: we, the users of social networks, are that “harvest” for large online companies . The most demanding viewers will notice the most famous soc. Network logo suggestions.

There is a mini boulevard in Kelmė

The drawing of an unexpected size is found at the crossroads connecting Vytautas Didžiojo and Birutės streets in Kelmė. The artist Andrius Seselskas presents the drawing to the city and invites … to stop, to slow down the rhythm. Chairs and a table are made especially for this place, it will be a great place to enjoy coffee. Stop and enjoy the art.