top of page

From Vilnius to Calcutta at Age 14: How an Art Exchange Shaped My Creative Journey

Austė Parulytė



When I was 14, a cultural/art school exchange occurred, marking one of the pivotal experiences that laid the foundation for my lifelong commitment to exploring the intersections of art and culture. At the end of this project, I discovered my affinity for playing with realities—a creative expression I continue to embrace to this day. But more on that later.


From the age of 5 until 17, I attended the “Jurate Stauskaite Art School for Youth and Children,” which organized an exchange program with Lakshmipat Singhania Academy in Calcutta. Initially, we welcomed Indian children into our families in Vilnius, Lithuania, for a few weeks, before spending a month living with their families in India. This journey marked one of my first solo travels. I vividly recall the racing heartbeats fueled by curiosity and the immersion in the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture, enveloped in the colors, smells, sounds, and rhythms of the bustling city.


During our travels and workshops with children from both art schools, I experienced a profound enrichment of my artistic sensibilities. This exchange not only broadened my artistic horizons but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the transformative power of art, as well as its ability to connect people.





Furthermore, while preparing for my exhibition “A Monsoon of Memories” at “Vilnius Teachers’ House” immediately after returning from India, I discovered my inclination to manipulate realities in my artwork and beyond. By infusing elements of my own imagination, I could create new realities. Although I momentarily forgot this visual expression, I rediscovered it years later (in 2018) when I began creating mixed-media artworks, blending photography with plain graphic elements.










Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page