About Gedas Paskauskas
Artist Statement
My recent work centers around collective beliefs as related to religion, family and happiness. I became interested in the subject upon noticing that most prevailing narratives and precepts accepted by social institutions would rarely lead one down a path of contentment. Invariably many who set out with goals or queries all too often find the answers illusory. What at first seems easy or obvious would soon appear difficult or inaccessible. Faith and conviction can empower endeavors, but when accepted unconditionally can lead to despair. As Carl Jung stated “anyone taking the sure road is as good as dead.” The statement, though seemingly severe on the outset, appropriately defines too many outcomes.
Painting as well as photography gives me a vehicle to explore new directions in creating pictorial strategies. Using traditional and unconventional media I forge imagery that engages the viewer with questions rather than answers. In my photographic work I set out to discover an alternative view. Since I typically enjoy seeing the dynamic at play in the relationship between the figurative and the abstract, I look for natural settings to help inspire and create provocative images. The result would be an ensemble of gestural forms performing much like characters in a play. These elements, often biomorphic in shape, appear not to tell a story but offer a nuanced message or sentiment. Made of aluminum composite construction material they are first shaped, colored with a variety of inks and dyes, positioned and then photographed. Their amorphous quality juxtaposed in nature, may engage the viewer as depiction, yet allow room for interpretation and personal reflection.
Bio
A native of Rhode Island, Gedas Paskauskas began his art education in 1970 at the School of the Worcester Art Museum and the Worcester Center for Crafts. After graduation, he continued private study with Robert Douglas Hunter in Boston, MA. In 1975, Gedas began a career as a commercial photographer and later as a mural artist. Co-founding Bopas, Inc. in 1981, a mural and decorative painting company, he branched out to form Gedas Paskauskas Studios, Inc. in 2005.
His personal work includes painting and photography that has been exhibited in select galleries as well as site specific installations, nationally. Recent focus has lead him to explore commonly excepted myths and how our lives are shaped by our beliefs surrounding money, religion, and relationships
Gedas divides his work and time between his studios in West Palm Beach, FL and Providence, RI.
CV
Recent Exhibitions
| 2021 | Worcester Roots, Krikorian Gallery, Worcester, MA |
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| 2021 | 85th Regional Exhibition, Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA |
| 2021 | Inside Voices, Artsworcester Gallery, Worcester, MA |
| 2020 | In Transition, Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA |
| 2019 | Blue Mountain Gallery, NYC, NY |
| 2018 | Music for Your Eyes, Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, Santa Ana, CA |
| 2017 | Beasts of Burden, O’Hara Projects, NYC, NY |
| 2016 | Lucy by the Sea, Commissioned Installation, Palm Beach. FL |
| 2014 | Beasts of Burden, Harvard Education Portal Galleries |
| 2013 | New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA |
| 2012 | No Naked Walls, Audio Concepts, Boston, MA |
| 2011 | Tides & Sky, Gallery55, Natick, MA |
| 2010 | MCCA at BCEC Fenway Artists, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, MA |
| 2009 | Fenway Artists, Now and Then, Vose Gallery, Boston, MA |
| 2007 | New Work, Red Dot Gallery, Dorchester, MA |
| 2007 | New Works from Fenway Studios, Massport Logan Airport, Boston, MA |
| 2005 | Centennial Exhibition, St. Botolph Club, Boston, MA |
| 2003 | Centennial Exhibition, Vose Gallery, Boston, MA |
| 2002 | Fenway Artists on Holiday, Vose Gallery, Boston, MA |
| 2001 | National Small Works Open, Juried exhibition, Gallery on the Green, Canton, CT |
| 1999 | National Juried Exhibition, Artforms Gallery, Manayunk, Philidelphia, PA |
| 1998 | Landscapes, Upstairs @ Johnson, Boston, MA |
| 1997 | American Experience, Perry House Galleries, Alexandria, VA |
| 1996 | 144 Square, International Small Painting Competition, Erector Square Gallery, New Haven, Ct |
Education
| 1975 - 1977 | Robert Douglas Hunter, Atelier. Private study in landscape and human anatomy. |
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| 1970 - 1973 | School of the Worcester Art Museum, graduate. Painting major |
| 1970 - 1971 | Worcester Center for Crafts, Worcester, MA |