Introduction:

The Historical Context of Europe 

Ancient Europe shared common worldview principles, even though it was divided into different linguistic groups. These groups, though diverse, originated from a shared Indo-European linguistic root. A worldview is a crucial lens through which one perceives the world through their activities and interactions with the environment. Both Lithuania and the United Kingdom (UK) have shaped their cultures over centuries, yet both nations maintain a connection rooted in shared European values.

Historical Ties and Identity Dynamics


Let us remember that the United Kingdom did not always bear its current name; various nations once lived on its territory, now surviving only in the names of ancient objects or legends. Meanwhile, Lithuania, as part of European civilisation, shares foundational historical and cultural principles with the UK, such as the pursuit of freedom and independence, though the historical contexts differ.

A Dualistic Exhibition Theme Inspired by Brexit


This theme stems from the Brexit era, a time when UK residents were divided into two groups: those wishing to remain part of the European Union and those seeking economic and legal separation. This period evoked mixed feelings, including among the Lithuanian community living in the UK. The referendum ultimately decided that the UK, while not changing its geographical location on the map, would alter its rules for interacting with its neighbours.

Personal Experience and Artistic Reflection


As a Lithuanian living in the UK, I feel the impact of these changes on my daily life. This influence is also reflected in my artwork. Paintings created in 2016 were first exhibited in the premises of the Žemaičiu Artists' Union in Klaipėda, Lithuania. A year later, the full collection returned to the UK and was showcased in London at the Greenwich West Library.

European Commonalities in My Work


The idea that Europeans share more commonalities than differences has resonated with me for a long time. This belief has been reinforced by my personal experience of living and creating in both countries. My paintings are inspired by the 17th-century Dutch masters known as “the little Dutchmen”, artists who used everyday household items to convey deeper symbolic meanings. At the time, religious constraints limited overt depictions of emotions and ideas, making symbolism subtle and multi-layered. This approach inspired me to create paintings that, while appearing simple at first glance, invite viewers to analyse and interpret them based on their own experiences.

Conclusion: More Commonalities Than Differences Across Cultures


Contemporary art allows us to openly express feelings and opinions, yet subtlety and intrigue remain important. Lithuania and the UK, despite their differences, are part of Europe, where cultural exchanges and shared values serve as a constant source of inspiration. This idea is a central theme in my paintings, which symbolically connect the two countries.

Exhibition Review:

The Shared Roots of Europe

The art of Daina KZ (Daina Kiseliene) celebrates the intertwined history of Europe, focusing particularly on the connections between the Baltic nations and the United Kingdom. Her works are a testament to the shared cultural and historical legacy that binds these regions, transcending geographical and temporal barriers.

Historical Ties: Doggerland and Beyond

The story of Britain and the Baltic nations is not merely one of shared European ideals but of physical connection. Long before Britain became an island, it was part of Doggerland, a land bridge that linked the British Isles to mainland Europe, including the Baltic regions. This landmass allowed Mesolithic hunter-gatherers to migrate and settle across these territories, creating a foundation for cultural and genetic exchange that persists to this day. The tsunami that submerged Doggerland symbolises a profound rupture in Europe’s physical continuity but also serves as a metaphor for the enduring relationships across the continent despite geographical separations. The artist's exploration of historical and existential themes captures this resilience, bridging ancient ties with modern reflections.

Baltic and Celtic Connections

The Baltic and Celtic peoples share an intricate web of cultural and historical interactions. Both groups, historically spread across vast areas of northern and central Europe, likely encountered one another along trade routes such as the Amber Road, which connected the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. The cultural exchanges along these routes, ranging from linguistic influences on material goods, underscore the long-standing connectivity of European civilisations.

This is interconnected in the artist's thematic focus on universality and shared human existence. The Baltic peoples' cultural overlap with Germanic and Celtic traditions, alongside Britain's own Celtic heritage, highlights a deeper, unspoken unity. Her works thus act as a bridge, inviting viewers to explore these ancient ties through a modern lens.

Contemporary Reflections: Brexit and Identity

In the shadow of Brexit, Daina KZ examines the tension between separation and shared identity. The UK's decision to leave the European Union represents a break in institutional ties but cannot erase centuries of cultural and historical connectivity. Her art emphasises that Europe’s strength lies in its common roots and values, transcending political boundaries.

For example, her integration of oil painting, a medium rooted in European artistic traditions, becomes a unifying force. By employing techniques reminiscent of the "little Dutch masters," she situates her practice within a broader European art historical context while infusing it with her personal narrative as a Lithuanian artist in the UK.

Conclusion

Daina KZ’s exhibition serves as both a historical reflection and a celebration of Europe’s shared identity. From the submerged lands of Doggerland to the thriving trade routes of the Baltic, her works remind us that the ties between nations are deeply ingrained, enduring beyond the vicissitudes of history. Her use of symbolic imagery and historical narratives not only highlights the interconnectedness of the Baltic and British cultures but also inspires a renewed appreciation for Europe’s collective heritage.

Sources

·       Addley, Esther. "A Great Wave: The Storegga Tsunami and the End of Doggerland." The Guardian.

·       Cambridge University Press. The Storegga Slide and the Submergence of Doggerland. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2020.49.

·       Dutch Masters and Still Life Traditions. Rijksmuseum Archives.

·       "Celtic and Baltic Interactions on the Amber Road." Historical Trade Routes Journal.

·       “Viking DNA and Cultural Exchanges in Europe.” Genetic Studies Quarterly.

·       Smith, John. "The Dutch Golden Age and Its Influence on Modern Art." Art History Review.