In The Thread project I am exploring the connection with my roots and identity as a woman who was born and raised in rural Lithuania. In the artworks I depict generations of my family women, who lived in a small village Lauksargiai. Their lives often were limited because of abuse and gender discrimination. The Thread project is not a reminder of the past trauma endured by women but an acknowledgement and celebration of them as individuals.
Thread, 2023, acrylic painting on wood, 30 x 90 cm.
Series of digital collages
Family archives
My grandmother and mother lived through historically complicated and difficult times in Lithuania. They shared stories about their personal experiences as well as other women's experiences. The stories contained topics such as sexual abuse, harassment, and violence, more particularly, domestic violence. To me the most shocking thing was not the violent events that happened, but the way it was told by females. Abuse towards women was accepted and considered as normal by women themselves. In my simple opinion, the roots of oppressive behaviour lies in mentality which often was carried out through generations.