In 2004, on a usual weekday, I phoned into one Lithuanian culture-related institution. As usual, I introduced myself: “This is Žygimantas Augustinas...” In responce I heard a muted voice of a woman addressing her colleagues: “Quiet, this is Žygimantas Augustas calling.” That was not the first time when my name was confused with that of a person who happened to be the Great Duke of Lithuania and the King of Poland. The only difference is two letters "in" separating my last name from his majesty last name. Such a juxtaposition with this nationally notorious person haunted me since the childhood and it could not but effect my worldview and self-esteem.
The year 2017 marks the 550th anniversary of the King of Poland Zygmunt I (1467-1548) – the father of the king Žygimantas Augustas. The show is a symbolic gift to my supposed father Zygmunt I. In order to please him, me and the architect Vaidas Grinčelaitis have designed a utopian reconstruction of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. New portraits of my supposed parents have been painted too. The portraits are based on anthropometric measurements and pictures of the King of Poland Zygmunt I and his wife Bona Sforza d‘Aragona, painted by Lucas Cranach Jr. The new portraits of their son was engraved by graphic artist Augustas Bidlauskas as well.
The project seeks to direct attention to subjectivation of historical data and fake realities popular in our days. The project is supported by Lithuanian Council for Culture and Vilnius Academy of Art.
Project was developed during my Phd studies at Vilnius Academie of Art and is an extention of my thesis "Picture Demand / the Case of (IN)"
MORE ABOUT PROJECT "PICTURE DEMAND"
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