Provocative or even audacious – this is how the work of 46-year-old painter and sculptor Martynas Gaubas may seem to some. However, the artist, who defies canons, is not hindered from receiving recognition – today he is considered one of the boldest contemporary Lithuanian sculptors, and his works are anticipated not only in galleries but also adorn the facade of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, public urban spaces, and exclusive real estate projects. The artist, who hails from Radviliškis, says he wants to create eye-catching, vibrant, playful art that does not lack humor and wildness, which leaves no one indifferent and, most importantly, brings joy to himself.
Art without deep sighs
„Artists usually tend towards either the dark or the light side – I am definitely among the latter. The creative process must bring me a smile. It is not the result of long searches or deep existential reflections. Lithuania has no shortage of Pietàs. Besides, I have always thought that sculpture practice in Lithuania is too inclined towards monumentality, longevity, and strives for pure, polished forms. I chose to go a different way – to create faster, more spontaneous works that have not lost their initial creative impulse in a long process of refinement,“ says M. Gaubas.
Starting with painting and smaller chamber plastic works, as well as sand and ice sculptures, the artist today increasingly creates larger-scale sculptures for exhibitions and public spaces. In total, M. Gaubas estimates he has created over a thousand sculptural works. They often depict characters with unique personalities or „life” stories, revealed by certain details – accessories, scars, tattoos.
An unconventional mermaid in a unique project
M. Gaubas is one of the most well-known names in the contemporary Lithuanian sculpture scene, so it is not surprising that he is invited to create works for private collections, special occasions, or places. One of his latest works created in this manner is the sculpture „Undinėlė, valganti ledus“ (Mermaid Eating Ice Cream), which perfectly reflects the unique features of the artist’s work. The sculpture has become an accent of the prestigious apartment project „Vandens formos“ (Water Forms) being developed in Palanga.
„When I received the offer to create a sculpture for this project, I prepared several different sketches. I am glad that the mermaid was chosen for implementation, as I liked this work the most myself. In it, I tried to playfully convey the theme of water, associations with the seaside, resort, and holiday mood. At the same time, I wanted the mermaid not to be boring, to come not from a fairy tale, but from recognizable reality, to be able to establish a relationship with the viewer,“ says M. Gaubas.
The concept of the apartment complex being developed on J. Simpsono Street was born from different states of water – water, steam, and ice. These motifs are repeated in various forms in architecture, interior design, materials, and artistic solutions, and from this idea, the project’s name „Vandens formos“ was born.
In M. Gaubas’s sculpture, the theme of water is highlighted through the portion of ice cream held by the mermaid – another form of water. It simultaneously symbolizes summer carelessness and small everyday pleasures.
Creating characters freed from standards
In M. Gaubas’s works, the mundane and realistic often intertwine with the unexpected, and aesthetic ideals give way to bodies freed from beauty standards, imperfections. The artist’s work is often interpreted as social criticism or an ironic look at certain phenomena of contemporary society, but it can also simply be an object of aesthetic admiration.
„I like it when a sculpture attracts attention, hooks you, makes you imagine the character’s past, life, or current situation. I also do not shy away from openness, so some may find my works provocative. However, the contemporary public is quite brave, so there are not many who are indignant. I do not aim to shock specifically, but I want my works to have an impact, to catch the eye, and then to have the opportunity to reveal their different layers and meanings,“ says M. Gaubas.
Context is important
Like the mermaid sculpture itself, the place where it is exhibited is extraordinary. In the completed „Vandens formos“ project, the seaside landscape, modern architecture, interior design, and authentic artistic expression are combined into a whole. This creates a unique living environment for a person who values high quality and does not conform to imposed standards. Just a few minutes from the sea, Birutė Park, and pine forests, there are only 33 apartments with a cozy, Japanese garden-style courtyard, where M. Gaubas’s sculpture awaits.
„When creating, I always think about the context of the work. I perceive the exhibition of sculptures as an experiment, as another aspect of creation that allows different semantic layers of the work to unfold. Sculptures are viewed differently in galleries, and differently in public or unexpected spaces. At the same time, a work of art also transforms the environment in which it is exhibited. This play is very interesting to me, so I have exhibited my works in an art gallery elevator, toilet, shower, and transported them in a trailer as a mobile exhibition. Of course, I apply a different approach when creating works for more official, representative, or public spaces,“ says M. Gaubas.
Art helps shape the character of a place
„Undinėlė, valganti ledus“ is not the only work of art exhibited in the „Vandens formos“ project – in the main hall space, future residents and guests will be greeted by the 10-meter installation „Pinigų lietus“ (Money Rain) by artist Milana Rozovskaja, stretching across the entire atrium. During the construction and furnishing of the apartment complex, materials and interior design solutions that help create a unique aesthetic integrity were also used – for example, luminous stone finishing.
M. Gaubas is convinced that works of art, by complementing architectural solutions, add greater value and distinctiveness to buildings and public spaces, helping to highlight and create the character of a place. According to the sculptor, art, along with interior design, infrastructure, and landscaping solutions, becomes another element shaping the living, recreational, or working environment.
„In Lithuania, investments in works of art are currently made more in exclusive projects, but this practice, in my opinion, is very welcome. Art inspires, stimulates, encourages us to look at the world from new perspectives, and adds more color to everyday life. Therefore, it is always worth letting more of it into your environment,“ is convinced one of the most famous Lithuanian sculptors.
