The Art of Viktoras Petravičius - Edited by Algimantas Kezys

Viktoras Petravičius belongs to the group of artists who most significantly contributed to the development and growth of Lithuanian graphic art. This group was educated in the Art Institute of Kaunas and abroad, mostly in Paris. Upon returning to their native land, they enthusiastically began their major creative work.This generation was greatly influenced by Lithuanian folk art, which already in the 19th century had attracted the attention of neighboring German and Polish artists. This was the time when folk art was rediscovered, when it gained new meaning, vitality, and importance. Lithuanian artists were trying to develop a style which would reflect The Lithuanian spirit . Folk art became their primary source of inspiration. It was collected, thoroughly examined, and displayed in museums. Several traveling exhibits were organized to introduce Lithuanian folk art to other countries. During that time, most artists were primarily interested in primitive art. Lithuanian folk art, because of its simplicity, boldness, and straightforwardness, gained special recognition, notice, and acclaim. Such acclaim especially affected the young contemporary Lithuanian artists. They devoted much of their time to the study of folk art. Groups were formed, that worked toward a style that would blend the traditions of folk art with the developments of modern art. This gave new impulse to Lithuanian art, and graphic art especially began to flourish.