Martyna and Ugnė are graphic design students at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, for whom creativity becomes a way to reflect and analyze important social topics. Their collaboration is born from a common desire to speak about what often remains unheard through art. In their works, they explore collective memory, loneliness, self-esteem, and the connection between generations. In a short film about self-esteem, they analyzed the influence of the Soviet regime on the psychological well-being of Lithuanians and how this heritage is passed down from generation to generation. Their stop-motion animation “When the City Falls Silent” reveals experiences of loneliness in an urban environment. During their studies, they also participated in the creative workshops of Aalto University in Finland, where they jointly created a social initiative that encourages conversations between older people and young people and closer mutual understanding. Martyna and Ugnė’s work is a sensitive, visually refined response to contemporary social realities.
Installation "Beds"
“Patalai” is an installation that reveals the culture of blaming victims of sexual assault. Using authentic comments left under news portal articles about cases of assault, the authors transfer these verbal attacks from the virtual space to the physical one. The comments appearing on dirty sheets become not only a symbolic, but also a direct act of blaming – they testify to how the public space can contribute to the stigmatization of victims and the degradation of their self-esteem. These are words that circulate online every day, but only become tangible and unavoidable in physical contact. The installation invites the viewer to confront what is often ignored: not only with words, but also with their consequences. “Patalai” highlights the still-persistent perception of gender inequality in Lithuania, when responsibility in sexual crimes is shifted to the victim, not to the perpetrator – usually the man. It is a silent but powerful call to take responsibility for your words and actions – both in public and private spaces.
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