Lithuanian artist Rasa Drukteinyte creates sharp, witty and ironic visuals that get people thinking. Graduating with a degree in painting from Klaipeda University, Faculty of Arts in Lithuania, she’s since moved to Copenhagen. ArtRebels talk with her about her recent solo exhibition, drawing on shoes and making sure not to take life too seriously.

I hear this spring you had a solo exhibition at the KraftWerket in Copenghagen. How did it go?
Encouraged by friends, I realised it was time to hold my own show. I have been accumulating lots of emotion and work and wanted to share it with others, mostly with friends. It was a delight to see people react so positively to the exhibition and hear interesting discussions going on about the art.

Your work is dominated by confrontational text. Why? How do people react to it?
I love good intellectual wit. I believe that the human mind is revealed through humour. I once met a man who had absolutely no sense of humour – it was very sad.  I’d say my work is frivolous, sarcastic, ironic and full of jokes. This makes it easier for me to communicate big issues and major life questions.

There is nothing tastier than provocation. It’s easier to understand people when they are being provoked as their reactions are more frank. It reveals who we are. Provocation is never boring. Sharpness and discomfort are the cornerstones of my artwork.

How is Copenhagen treating you and your work?
I like creating t-shirts and accessories or drawing on shoes. There are a million other things that are fun to do too. I never limit myself with just painting. Creativity to me is everything – it’s my whole attitude and a lifestyle with no limits or timeframe. Therefore I feel good in Copenhagen, because I sense the natural medium for creativity and development.

Where do you seek for inspiration?
Inspiration is a strange thing. I recall my teacher at the Academy saying that inspiration only visits when you’re working – it doesn’t matter how you feel, or what the weather is like. People, conversations and emotions I experience are my source for inspiration, I just filter it all through myself and put it onto canvas.

If you’re hungry for more visuals from Rasa, email us via: renata@artrebels.com and we’ll direct you to her.