PARIS .- MO Museum and Centre Pompidou present their collaborative exhibition, Lithuanian Contemporary Art from the 1960s to Today: A Major Donation. This is the first-ever exhibition of Lithuanian art at the Centre Pompidou, showcasing the richness and uniqueness of modern and contemporary Lithuanian art. The exhibition introduces works by several generations of artists, now part of the Centre Pompidou’s collection. Featuring a diverse array of paintings, drawings, installations, and video art, the exhibition highlights new acquisitions by artists whose works hold significant cultural and historical importance. In addition to contemporary art, the exhibition reveals never-before-seen artworks created between the 1960s and 1990s, during the Soviet occupation. These modernist works, long hidden due to censorship and the oppression of the Soviet regime, have been donated to the Centre Pompidou by MO Museum’s founders, Danguolė and Viktoras Butkus.

The donation is a significant contribution to the Lithuanian art scene, showcasing the diverse talents of Lithuanian artists. The donation comprises a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artistic works. The donation is expected to be displayed in the National Museum of Lithuania, where it will be accessible to the public.

This cultural fusion is evident in the works of prominent artists like Kazimir Malevich, who incorporated Lithuanian folk motifs into his abstract art. Lithuania’s cultural identity is further strengthened by its rich history and traditions. The country boasts a long and diverse history, with influences from various cultures and empires.

Lithuania’s restoration of independence in 1990 paved the way for new conceptual, performative, and feminist art movements. A new generation of artists now explores themes of collective memory, global issues, and identity through sound, video, and installation, bridging past and future. The exhibition features works by contemporary Lithuanian artists Eglė Rakauskaitė, Anastasia Sosunova, Andrius Arutiunian, Žilvinas Landzbergas, and Pakui Hardware, all of whom have gained international recognition for their distinct creative approaches. Their contributions continue to enrich the global art scene, and these works have been acquired by the Centre Pompidou. Lithuanian Contemporary Art from the 1960s to Today: A Major Donation is organized by the Centre Pompidou and MO Museum, with the support of the Lithuanian Season in France 2024. The exhibition will be on display from September 14, 2024, to January 6, 2025, at the Centre Pompidou.

Since 1977, the Centre Pompidou has been deeply rooted in the city of Paris and open to the world and to innovation. Its iconic building is home to Europe’s richest and one of the world’s largest collections of modern and contemporary art, in addition to exhibitions, festivals, shows, projections, and workshops for young people. Its extremely rich programme at the crossroads of art forms and audiences attracts more than 3 million visitors every year. True to its ambition to make culture and creation available to as many people as possible, the Centre Pompidou also develops its regional and international presence.