Algimantas Kunčius
Listenings

Starting December 4, the Prospektas Gallery (Gedimino Ave. 43, Vilnius) will host Listenings, a solo exhibition by Algimantas Kunčius, a classic of Lithuanian photography. A meeting with the artist will be announced at a later date.

Algimantas Kunčius is among the generation of photographers who laid the foundations of the Lithuanian school of photography. Beginning his artistic journey in the mid-20th century, he became a key figure in establishing photography as a form of artistic expression. Known for his versatility and erudite approach to themes and genres, Kunčius's work spans an extensive range of photographic styles. He has created striking portraits of cultural figures, documented Vilnius's transforming architectural landscape, melancholically observed landscapes, and explored contrasting fragments of the environment.

The exhibition Listenings showcases photographs in which Kunčius attentively captures the motifs of nature—what he refers to as “God’s creation.” His process involves patiently waiting for the perfect alignment of clouds or the interplay of light on spring foliage, transforming these elements into exquisitely composed plays of light and shadow.

“I do not adhere to reportage style,” Kunčius stated in an interview. Instead, he seeks to slow down and be present in his surroundings, pressing the shutter only when the moment achieves a natural harmony. His images are imbued with musicality, a rhythm of light and dark, and tonal pulsations that reflect this contemplative process. “The camera has become an instrument for me to ‘play’ Vilnius and my own time,” he notes. The works in this exhibition embody that interplay of observation, stillness, and discovery.

About the Artist
Born in 1939 in Pakruojis, Kunčius studied law and music pedagogy. He worked for the magazine Kultūros barai and at the Lithuanian Art Museum. In 1969, he co-founded the Lithuanian Photographic Art Society (now the Lithuanian Photographers' Association). He has participated in exhibitions since 1967 and has been honored with the Lithuanian Culture and Art Prize and the Order of the Grand Duke Gediminas (5th degree).

The exhibition will run until January 11, 2025.
The Lithuanian Photographers' Association's activities are funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture.

Prospektas Gallery Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 12:00–18:00
Saturday: 12:00–16:00