Breakfast With Vydunas

Ugnė Žilytė, born in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 1979, comes from a family celebrated for their contributions to the arts and literature. She laid the groundwork for her artistic career at the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts, graduating in 1997 with a specialization in graphic arts. She furthered her studies at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, where she completed a Master’s degree in Graphic Arts in 2004.

At a time when classical printmaking and academic drawing are becoming less common, Ugnė Žilytė has deliberately chosen to make these traditional techniques central to her own artistic practice. Her commitment to these established forms distinguishes her in today’s art world. The influence of realism took root in her early life, as she recalls her father’s illustrations transforming ordinary items into vivid images—an experience that inspired her own passion for drawing with precise, lifelike detail.

Žilytė’s artwork is distinguished by its clarity and depth, telling complex stories through expressive drawing. She constructs narratives that blend cultural and social references with symbolism, consistently favoring meaningful nuance over mere decorative elements. Many of her pieces are directly influenced by Lithuanian literature, and the titles often point to these specific literary inspirations.

Beyond her art, Ugnė Žilytė teaches academic drawing and graphic arts at the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts. She also creates illustrations for the respected cultural weekly “Literature and Art.” Žilytė is a member of the Lithuanian Artists’ Union and, since 2014, the Society of Secret Drawers. She has exhibited her work both domestically and internationally since 2001, and her achievements include honors from graphic art biennials and other art competitions.