Smithy

Jonas Daniliauskas, a member of the Lithuanian Artists' Association and a recognized creator by the Lithuanian Ministry of Culture, is an artist known for his consistency and continuity in his work. His artistic journey is not governed by a desire for constant novelty but rather by a commitment to authentic creation, often finding himself exploring similar compositions until an inner necessity compels change.

Daniliauskas aims for expressive power through minimal means. Over the years, his approach to art has evolved. Many motifs and themes from his youth persist, but his perspective has changed. His work has grown brighter, with fewer tragic and dark accents, reflecting a gentler perspective.

With a deep appreciation for the beauty of everyday life, his art frequently features scenes of love, solitude, unity between humans and nature, and the disappearing rural life. He doesn't shy away from painting the unpleasant aspects of life, for he believes that even in ugliness, there are openings for beauty, and unpleasant characters can have their own poetry.

For Daniliauskas, painting is not an outlet for anger or negative emotions, but more akin to a memory, an island slowly taking form as one drifts away in a boat. He is not an objective observer, meticulously recording reality, but rather an artist who finds inspiration in everyday experiences and encounters.

His work process often involves observation, notetaking of color schemes with pastels, and only then does he paint. This method allows him to maintain a connection to nature without being overly prescriptive.

His works are held in prestigious institutions including the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, the National M. K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art, Tartle, the National Museum of Latvia, and the Tretyakov Gallery. Jonas Daniliauskas continues to be an influential figure in Lithuanian art, known for his deeply personal and evocative style.