In the Shadow of Knowledge. Sculpture Pre-context
“We also hold what resides in the shadow of knowledge,” remarked Vladas Urbanavičius, one of Lithuania’s most renowned sculptors, in conversation with the art critic Alfonsas Andriuškevičius. This idea defines the concept of the exhibition, which presents sculpture as a direct, sensory experience. Sculpture in the shadow of knowledge invites viewers to encounter sculptural objects before contextualizing their themes or meanings. Here, the emphasis is on the intrinsic properties of sculpture – its spatial presence, materiality, and emotional impact – elements we perceive immediately, before engaging in rational analysis and starting to “read” the work like a book. The exhibition unfolds in three sections: space, material, and dream. It features works from the TARTLE collection, spanning the 19th to the 21st centuries, with a strong focus on classical and modernist Lithuanian sculpture. Complementing these pieces are contemporary sculptures from artists’ private collections, which challenge tradition and invite new ways of seeing – offering moments of surprise and discovery.
The content of the exhibition which will open on 17th August reflects a memorial tradition that has been continuing for eight centuries. It originates from the saints’ life stories, which were later supplemented with reports about visions and miracles.
New exhibition ‘Franciszek Smuglewicz. From Ancient Rome to Vilnius University’ at the Vilnius Picture Gallery.
Your support is vital and helps Tartle to make the collection open to the public.
The Vilnius Picture Gallery and the Church Heritage Museum are opening the exhibition Sacred Vilnius: Pilgrimage from the Gates of Dawn to Kalvarija Way of the Cross on 20th of April.
Vilnius Picture Gallery of the Lithuanian National Museum of Art (LNMA) opens an exhibition With Heart and Eyes. Wincenty Sleńdziński (1838–1909). It is the first solo exhibition in Lithuania by the painter known for celebrating the mundane, composed to present his multifaceted art and his person. Four works were lent to this exhibition by TARTLE.
The great gift of Easter is hope! Happy Easter!
Due to quarantine we do not organize regular excursions, but we invite you to visit the gallery individually.
Climate change: what actions can be taken by museums?
Wishing Everyone a Happy Holiday Season!

