Artist Feature: Deimante Dociute
Tell us about how your practise started?
I would say that it started in an explorative way, trying to see what I can make and how well I can transfer ideas from my head, emotions that I feel into a material form, physical object. In school years I was learning traditional art techniques which had limitations in some ways with exceptions in graphic imagery as it had let my creativity flow more naturally. Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts at Coventry University has opened me up more and my practise became freer and playful. Now I see it as a constant exploration with no strict boundaries.
Favourite artwork/project/exhibition? What is your preferred research method?
It has to be Sun & Sea (Marina) theatrical performance/art installation which has been Golden Lion winner at the 58th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. “It’s about nothingness—nothing is happening,” one of the artists Vaiva Grainytė said. To see this piece in real life was an incredible experience. Focusing on the mundane but at the same time portraying a global issue, climate change, this piece has fascinated me by its decisions of display and how it felt being at the installation site. Maybe that is why my preferred research methods are experiences and reflections on them. Hence, I am able to observe my own feelings, notice the closest particles to me and find out which direction to carry on the secondary research – reading books, which is my beloved passion.
Featured work by Deimante Dociute.
Favourite artist/s? Why and how they’ve influenced your work ?
I would like to distinguish three artists, even though the list of my favourites is extensive. Sculptures by Berlinde de Bruyckere have captivated me with distorted bodily forms, exploration of body theme and usage of different materials. I think dualities occurring in her work: life and death, love and suffering, danger and protection; have also influenced my aim to explore and combine the opposites. Another artist Maria Lassning has fascinated me with her body awareness theory, using distortion to depict internal sensations and feelings. Looking at her paintings in real life had a significant impact on me as the artist’s shared inner world could be felt so greatly. Lastly, Pipilotti Rist and her provocative, engaging approach to multimedia installations has inspired me to be more playful with my own work. For example, “Pour Your Body Out’’ installations display with a sculptural seating island and surrounding video work has shown me how senses’ stimulating art experience can be and that I want my work to progress in a similar direction.
Responses