INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY H.E. AMBASSADOR VIDMANTAS PURLYS AT THE OPENING OF EXHIBITIONS “VILNIUS: PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE OLD” TOWN BY KĘSTUTIS STOŠKUS AND “UNFIXED” BY IEVA BALTADUONYTĖ
Minister,
Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to welcome you at the opening of two exhibitions at the Gallery of Photography.
I would like to thank the director of the Gallery Tanya Kiang and her colleagues for excellent co-operation in setting up these exhibitions.
I am very happy that the collection of works by one of the most acclaimed masters of architectural photography Kęstutis Stoškus is now exhibited in Dublin. I know how passionate the artist is about the old Vilnius and how dedicated he is to his work. I share this fascination and love for Vilnius, my native city, with the author. So I am excited about this possibility to showcase Vilnius through these excellent artworks.
The architecture of Vilnius reflects various cultural influences due to its geographic location, mix of nationalities and religions. It is the largest Baroque city north of the Alps, and the one farthest to the East. Yet nearly all styles of European architecture are present in Vilnius. Baroque domes and towers coexisted comfortably with Russian Orthodox churches, synagogues and mosques. Through centuries the Lithuanian capital was important politically and culturally not only to Lithuanians, but to other nations, it is a genuinely European city. As Lithuanian writer Tomas Venclova put it, “it radiates the spirit of freedom and individuality typical of Europe.”
It is only appropriate to mention in this context that this exhibition is dedicated to the Lithuanian Presidency of the EU.
I would also like to congratulate and acknowledge the presence of Ieva Baltaduonytė, the artist whose new series was specially created for this particular event. The theme of her series is close to my heart. As a Lithuanian diplomat in Ireland I interact with the Lithuanian community on a daily basis and know many facets of its life. Emigration is a complex phenomenon. However, here in Ireland I can see a very positive contribution by Lithuanians in many walks of life. It is of particular interest to see how this theme is reflected and questioned through the work of a young and talented Lithuanian artist, who lives and works in Dublin. I wish Ieva well in her artistic career. All the best also to the members of her family, who - no doubt - are proud of what Ieva has achieved so far.
Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you a pleasant evening at the gallery.
