# Stasys Eidrigevičius

Stasys Eidrigevičius (born 24 July 1949 in Mediniškiai, Lithuania) is a painter and graphic artist. His artistic name is sometimes simply used as Stasys. He is known for his surreal, poetic and symbolic works that have distinctive Stasys style and are easily recognizable. Stasys also has gained international recognition for his book illustrations and masterful posters, which often feature dreamlike imagery and deeply expressive figures.

## Biography

Stasys Eidrigevičius graduated from the College of Fine Arts and Crafts in Kaunas in 1968. In 1973, he obtained a diploma from Vilnius Academy of Fine Arts. Since 1980 he has lived in Poland. Eidrigevičius is active in various artistic fields, including painting (pastel, oil, tempera), drawing, bookplates, book illustration, studio graphics, photography, installation art, sculpture, and scenography. Since 1984, he has also been deeply engaged in poster art. He has published poetry and is a contributing writer for the cultural press.
"For Polish art, the Lithuanian Stasys is what the Spanish Picasso, the Italian Modigliani, or the Russian Jews, Chagall, Zadkine and Soutine were for the Paris school." — Pastele/Pastels, Stasys Eidrigevičius, published by Marek Buffi, Warsaw, 1997.
Eidrigevičius started his career as children's book illustrator, quickly gaining recognition for his unique approach to visual storytelling. His illustrations often conveyed surreal and dreamlike qualities, blending realism with fantasy. Over time, he expanded his artistic practice to include painting, graphic design, poster art, photography, and even stage design.
In the 1980s, he became widely known for his exceptional work in poster art, a medium that allowed him to merge visual poetry with deep symbolism. His posters, often minimalistic yet rich in meaning, have won numerous international awards. His style is characterized by distorted human figures, expressive faces, and a sense of mystery that invites multiple interpretations.
During this period, Eidrigevičius also gained recognition for his ex libris prints (bookplates), which showcased his meticulous detail and imaginative compositions. His bookplates and illustrations have been published in over 40 books, demonstrating his versatility and narrative depth.
By the 1980s, Eidrigevičius had already gained international acclaim, and he decided to move to Poland, where he found a thriving artistic community. Living in Warsaw, he continued to develop his work, participating in major exhibitions worldwide. His art has been showcased in prestigious venues across Europe, the United States, Australia and Japan.
Stasys' works often explore themes of human identity, isolation, memory, and dreams. His characters—frequently faces with exaggerated features—evoke a sense of ambiguity and introspection. He is known for blending elements of surrealism and symbolism creating images that are both unsettling and poetic.
His masks and face-themed artworks, which he has explored in paintings, posters, and performances, reflect an ongoing inquiry into the nature of human expression and perception. Many of his works also carry subtle political and existential undertones, making them relevant across different cultural and historical contexts.
Throughout his career, he has signed many of his works with the simple name "Stasys", a name by which he is sometimes referred to in the art world.
With his deeply symbolic and thought-provoking imagery, he leaves a lasting impact on graphic design, illustration, and contemporary art.
Although Eidrigevičius has made significant contributions to contemporary art, he is still awaiting broader international recognition, even though he is one of the most acclaimed artists in Eastern Europe. His work is widely appreciated by collectors and institutions, and his drawings have been published by The New York Times, Polityka and other world-renowned publications. He is regularly invited to participate in international art exhibitions, biennales, and jury panels, while also sharing his expertise with students worldwide. However, like many Eastern European artists, he remains underrepresented in the global art market, making his work a rare and valuable discovery for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Nevertheless, his work continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

## Major awards

Major awards: Gold Plaque for children's book illustration at Biennial of Book Art in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia (1979, 1981, 1989), Grand Prix (1991); Gold Medal at International Biennial of Exlibris in Malbork (1980); Honorary Mention at Exhibition of Small Graphic Forms in Łódź, Poland (1979); Grand Prix for book illustration in Barcelona, Spain (1986); Grand Prix at International Biennial of Posters in Lahti, Finland (1989); 3rd Prize at International Biennial of Posters in Warsaw (1990), Gold Medal, Toyama, Japan (1994), 1st Prize at Biennial of Polish Poster, Katowice (1999), National Award in Arts, Lithuania (2001); Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (2019).

## Stasys Museum

A new Stasys Museum was opened in 2024 in Panevėžys, Lithuania showcasing the work of the artist.

## Public collections

Among the public collections holding works by Stasys are:
* Vilnius, National Gallery of Art
* Vilnius, MO Museum
* Berlin, Kunstbibliothek Berlin, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
* Warsaw, Zachęta – National Gallery of Art
* Kaunas, Kaunas Picture Gallery
* Tokyo, Musashino Art University Museum
* Tokyo, The Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo (formerly Chihiro Iwasaki Art Museum of Picture Books)
* Chicago, Chicago Design Archive of The Society of Typographic Arts
* Chicago, The Newberry Library