Antanas Žmuidzinavičius 150. Exhibition "Silent Horizons", May 5, 2026 - February 16, 2027
From May 5, the exhibition “Silent Horizons” dedicated to the anniversary of A. Žmuidzinavičius will be opened at the A. Žmuidzinavičius Works and Collections Museum of the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum (V. Putvinskio g. 64, Kaunas).
In 2026, the 150th birthday of the artist Antanas Žmuidzinavičius will be celebrated. This is an invitation to look back anew at the creative legacy of one of the most prominent cultural figures of the Dainava region.
The exhibition with the symbolic title “Silent Horizons” presents A. Žmuidzinavičius’ landscapes not only as visible images, but also as experienced states. In his work, the landscape becomes a living space that contains emotional and cultural layers of meaning. The exhibited works reveal the geographical amplitude of the artist’s travels – from Lithuania to the United States, the experience of different light, climate and moods. Landscapes bear witness to the adventures experienced, longing, a sense of freedom, a restrained and reflexive relationship with the world.
In this exhibition, we invite the viewer to stop and look deeper. Landscapes contain coded messages that reflect the mood of the era and the personal attitudes of the creator, as well as essential aspects of biography. The landscape here is not just an aesthetic space for contemplation of the visible environment – it becomes a silent expression of identity, values and civic self-awareness. In moments of national trials, the landscape acquires a special meaning: it becomes a symbol of strength, spiritual support and internal resistance. On the other hand, the landscape can also function as a means of ideological representation, contributing to the construction of political narratives and the formation of propaganda discourses.
The growing public interest in the personality and activities of A. Žmuidzinavičius shows that his work can be perceived not only in the textbook context of art history, but also as a living, relevant cultural phenomenon today. The exhibition seeks to promote dialogue between generations, strengthen cultural awareness, raise questions and seek answers, even if they sometimes sound uncomfortable. However, the most important question remains for each of us: do we still stop today, in the rush of everyday life, to look at the flowing river, listen to the rustling of trees, see the clouds flying in the blue sky, or do we know how to hear silence? “Silent Horizons” invites not only to look, but also to experience – to discover our own soul image.
Exhibition patron: Dr. Jaunius Gumbys Lithuanian Art Foundation
Partners: Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, Vladas Putvinskis-Pūtvis Club, Lithuanian National Museum of Art, Lithuanian Art Enlightenment Centre TARTLE, Vytautas the Great War Museum, UAB Bikuvos prekyba, Mantas Steponavičius Art Collection, Vilnius City Museum Beatričės namai, Sibirkos Rožynas.
We would like to thank the grandchildren of Marija and Antanas Žmuidzinavičiai: Augius Gučas, a.a. Rimantas Gučas, Birute Gučaitė and a.a. Giedre Gučaitė.
Exhibition curator: Jurgita Rimkutė-Vainiuvienė
Exhibition coordinator: Daina Zozaitė
Exhibition education: Giedrė Grinkevičiūtė, Vincenta Pokštienė
Exhibition communication: Vida Labanauskienė, Monika, Mastavičiūtė, Milda Žiūkaitė
Exhibition graphic design: Naglis Rytis Baltušnikas
Editors: Aurelija Gražina Rukšaitė, Armandas Rumšas
Translator: Armandas Rumšas
Exhibition architecture: Ekspobalta
Exhibition technicians: Irmantas Kuskys, Mindaugas Bagdonavičius, Izoldas Smagarauskas, Rimantas Bernatavičius