The Jungle / Selva

In Argentina, la selva, meaning ‘forest’ or ‘jungle’, represents more than just a botanical concept. It is deeply intertwined with the Argentinian identity. By the mid-20th century it was still widely believed that only local artists could authentically capture the essence of the jungle. So when critics and exhibition reviews began to refer to Jonas Rimša as a pintor de la selva (a jungle painter), they not only acknowledged his professional talents but also underscored his integration into Argentinian society and the recognition of his acceptance.

Text author Laura Petrauskaitė

Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album THE WORLD OF LANDSCAPES II (2013). Compiler and author Nijolė Tumėnienė, ARTISTS ON THE MOVE (2025). Compiler and text author Laura Petrauskaitė
Expositions: “Tropic Scream: Argentina–Bolivia–Tahiti“, 10 June – 5 September 2010, Vilnius Picture Gallery, Vilnius

In Argentina, la selva, meaning ‘forest’ or ‘jungle’, represents more than just a botanical concept. It is deeply intertwined with the Argentinian identity. By the mid-20th century it was still widely believed that only local artists could authentically capture the essence of the jungle. So when critics and exhibition reviews began to refer to Jonas Rimša as a pintor de la selva (a jungle painter), they not only acknowledged his professional talents but also underscored his integration into Argentinian society and the recognition of his acceptance.

Text author Laura Petrauskaitė

Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album THE WORLD OF LANDSCAPES II (2013). Compiler and author Nijolė Tumėnienė, ARTISTS ON THE MOVE (2025). Compiler and text author Laura Petrauskaitė
Expositions: “Tropic Scream: Argentina–Bolivia–Tahiti“, 10 June – 5 September 2010, Vilnius Picture Gallery, Vilnius