Preserving Artistic Heritage: A Dialogue with Lithuania’s First Lady and Kazys Varnelis Jr.

Preserving Artistic Heritage: A Dialogue with Lithuania’s First Lady and Kazys Varnelis Jr.

A Meeting to Remember

First Lady of Lithuania, Diana Nausėdienė, recently had a significant meeting in New Jersey, USA, with Kazys Varnelis Jr., a renowned artist, historian, and son of celebrated Lithuanian emigrant artist, Kazys Varnelis. The dialogue revolved around the preservation of Varnelis’ artistic legacy, with Nausėdienė extending her gratitude for Varnelis Jr.’s efforts to uphold his father’s work.

Valuing Artistic Legacy

Nausėdienė expressed the nation’s pride in housing the largest and most prominent collection of Varnelis’ works at the Lithuanian National Museum. This venue has also accommodated the Varnelis House Museum since 2001. She highlighted Lithuania’s readiness to develop further the heritage of Kazys Varnelis, recognizing their cultural and historical significance.

Art Meets Diplomacy

The First Lady noted the importance of Varnelis’ artwork in representing Lithuania on the international stage. Specifically, she referred to the NATO summit held in Vilnius in July. Five of Varnelis’ works were displayed at LITEXPO, and his graphics were used for prints on the commemorative bags of the NATO summit. This instance underscores the fusion of art and diplomacy, with Varnelis’ work serving as a cultural ambassador for Lithuania.

A Conversation Beyond Art

The meeting also involved discussions about Kazys Varnelis Jr.’s professional journey, his collaborations with contemporary artists, and the life of Lithuanian diaspora families in the USA during the 1980s and 1990s. Nausėdienė appreciated the Varnelis family’s deep and authentic sense of Lithuanian identity, despite their residence in the USA.

Meet Kazys Varnelis Jr.

Born in Chicago in 1967, Kazys Varnelis Jr. has made a name for himself in the art world through his multidisciplinary approach. He integrates art, technology, architecture, sound, and environment in his work. With 25 years of teaching experience in architecture schools, he has held important roles such as the director of The Network Architecture Lab, co-founder of the research organization Architecture Urbanism Design Collaborative, and a fervent environmental defender.

Varnelis Jr. has shown interest in exploring new technologies in art, such as artificial intelligence and photography, and creates interdisciplinary works of contemporary art that reflect on these technologies. He is also an avid collector of modern design, further testifying to his diverse interests and commitment to the art world.

Conclusion

The conversation between Lithuania’s First Lady and Kazys Varnelis Jr. not only highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting artistic heritage but also underscored the role of art in diplomacy and international relations. As Varnelis’ works continue to represent Lithuania on the global stage, this meeting serves as a testament to the enduring legacy and relevance of Kazys Varnelis and the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote his significant contributions.