Expressionism in Lithuania

Expressionism played a pivotal role in shaping modernist art in Lithuania, emerging as a defining element of the national school of art during Kaunas' interwar period (1919-1939). This study reveals that Lithuanian expressionism was not an isolated movement but was deeply influenced by German expressionism, particularly through Marianne Werefkin's connections to Vilnius and Kaunas. Despite its significance, Lithuanian expressionism has been historically understudied, with nationalist art discourses until the late 20th century failing to contextualize or analyze its manifestations comprehensively. The research employs a critical analysis of Lithuanian art history, challenging traditional narratives by examining how expressionism was understood and integrated into the broader modernist narrative across the 20th century.

Jankevičiūtė, G., & Laučkaitė, L. (2018). Expressionism in Lithuania. The Routledge Companion to Expressionism in a Transnational Context, 134–157. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315200088-7