Denisas Kolomyckis installation series “Femina” in Jonava

Denisas Kolomyckis is an actor and a creator of interdisciplinary art –installations, performances, painting, and photography. His work is dominated by themes of human rights and social critique, often linked to environmental realities and politics. By combining personal experience with broader socio-cultural issues, Denisas Kolomyckis achieves a universal artistic expression that is easily interpreted by the viewer. The complex themes explored are often presented in a playful manner, without pretensions to a conceptual or formal canon. The ability to combine not only different artistic disciplines but also dance and theatre experience gives the artist’s works a unique plasticity.

Denisas Kolomyckis presented his installation series “Femina” which explored themes of gender identity, femininity, and social stereotypes. With changing norms and the ongoing gender politics and social movements in contemporary society, this topic remains highly relevant. Denisas Kolomyckis’ series of works “Femina” examined how various gender stereotypes can shape, limit, or even disrupt the development of personal identity and draws attention to related issues of gender equality and justice. The artist revealed this through the use of women’s pantyhose stretched over heavy armature frames and sewn together. The seemingly fragile nylon withstands the tension, resulting in multi-layered assemblies that resemble human skin and evoke various body parts through association. These intense and provocative works visually explored how social norms shape our perception of gender. The installation created a reflective space in which to confront one’s own prejudices and social constructs. In this way, Denisas Kolomyckis’ series of works “Femina” became not only an artistic expression but also a social critique, inviting viewers to actively participate in discussions about gender identity and justice.

Denisas Kolomyckis (b. 1992) Denisas studied at the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Art, in the ballet department, continued his studies at the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama in London (UK), and completed his bachelor’s and master’s studies at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, in the sculpture department. He is a member of the Lithuanian Interdisciplinary Artists’ Association. The artist actively participates in solo and group exhibitions in Lithuania and abroad: England, Czech Republic, Georgia, Armenia, USA and elsewhere. In 2020 Kolomyckis has been awarded with the Young Artist Prize by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania. In 2021 the artist was awarded the prestigious M. K. Čiurlionis scholarship. At the international art fair “ArtVilnius’21” he received the Young Artist (under 30) award for the work “Femina”.

The presentation of Denisas Kolomyckis’ installation “Femina” was part of a larger project by (AV17) Gallery, which showcased the work of prominent interdisciplinary artists in Lithuanian cities beyond the capital. Alongside Denisas Kolomyckis’ solo presentation, Danas Aleksa’ exhibition “Changed Purpose” was opened in the exhibition space of the Alytus Audiovisual Arts Center in August, and Jurga Barilaitė’s exhibition “The Bottom” will open at the Telšiai Gallery of Vilnius Academy of Arts in December.

Denis Kolomyckis’ installation “Femina” was held in Jonava’ civil registration department, Jonava’ Janina Miščiukaitė art school and Jonava’ baseline.

The project was financed by the Lithuanian Council for Culture.