Artwork of the Month: Deconstructing Knowledge in Linas Kaziulionis's "Inheritance"
In an age where conspiracy theories spread like digital viruses, and misinformation shapes our daily reality, Linas Kaziulionis's (b. 1993) monumental painting "Inheritance" (180x200 cm) greets us as a compelling commentary on knowledge transmission and hidden control mechanisms.
At first glance, "Inheritance" captures attention with its scale and vibrant palette, but the content is equally intriguing. The painting depicts a scene where an elderly cook passes knowledge to younger kitchen workers, yet this seemingly innocent moment takes on a dark undertone in Kaziulionis's conspiracy narrative. Rather than mere representational figures, they become key players in the artist's meticulously constructed story about the secret control of humanity through food consumption. The composition is deliberately theatrical: the cooks arranged like actors on stage, are captured in a moment of knowledge transmission – or perhaps, more disturbingly, in a discussion of secret ingredients for recipes designed to control us.
The masterful handling of colour and dominance of bright yellow creates an unsettling "radiation" effect, serving both aesthetic and conceptual purposes. Traditionally associated with warmth and food, the kitchen palette here becomes almost toxic in its intensity. This choice of active colours perfectly aligns with Kaziulionis's recurring metaphor of "poisoned food" as poisonous knowledge.
The large scale of the work (180x200 cm) is also not accidental – similar to how news floods us in everyday life. Viewers must physically negotiate their relationship with the artwork – just as we navigate through information noise.
What makes "Inheritance" interesting is how it fits into Kaziulionis's broader artistic strategy of creating his conspiracy theory through art. The painting invites viewers to notice their relationship with authority and information society. In an age where trust in experts is questioned, "Inheritance" asks: how do we determine whom to trust? Who controls what we consume (both literally and metaphorically), and what are their motives? When we quickly consume news (especially just headlines), do we always ensure we're receiving objective information?
"Inheritance" feels particularly relevant in global discussions about fake news, media literacy, and information manipulation. However, unlike most contemporary artists addressing similar themes, Kaziulionis's approach avoids didacticism. Instead, he creates a space for questions and reflection that remains playful, open, and engaging.
Kaziulionis, who has already gained international recognition and continues to build his global exhibition list, convinces us that his ability to examine contemporary issues through technically masterful painting while maintaining conceptual depth and relevance to viewers will inscribe him in contemporary art history.
Current Exhibition: Linas Kaziulionis Solo Exhibition “Lost Narratives” at Vilnius Rotuse (Municipality Hall), 5th-30th November, 2024
Coming Exhibition: H Gallery, Paris, opening on the 5th of December, 2024