ADDRESS BY THE AMBASSADOR OF LITHUANIA TO IRELAND H.E. VIDMANTAS PURLYS AT THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO M.K. ČIURLIONIS ON 9 SEPTEMBER AT THE CORK VISION CENTRE, CORK
Minister,
Lord Mayor,
Mr Miller,
Ladies and gentlemen,
· I am delighted to participate at the opening of the exhibition about Lithuania’s most distinguished artist – composer and painter – Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis.
· In 2011, the 100th death anniversary of M.K Čiurlionis is celebrated throughout the world in association with UNESCO. I am very happy that Čiurlionis is also celebrated in Cork.
· The art of Čiurlionis reflects images of beautiful surroundings of his childhood in Sout-East Lithuania, as well as local songs and tales blended with the forerunning modernist ideas. This produced the irrefutable Lithuanian character, while the paintings based on musical forms are a unique phenomenon in European art history.
· Čiurlionis has become a symbol of the Lithuanian identity, and was an inspiration to his people at the most difficult times in its history, while his artistic legacy is a tribute to early 20th-century Modernism in Europe.
· This September also marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Ireland. We have developed friendly relations and co-operate in a variety of fields.
· I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the Lithuanian community to the development of this relationship. The Lithuanian community in Ireland is a strong bond that connects our two states and nations. I would like to convey special regards to the members of the Lithuanian community who are present here today.
I would like to extend the appreciation to the Cork Vision Centre and the director John Miller for the excellent co-operation and support in setting up this exhibition.
