Kęstutis "Kes" Zapkus is a renowned Lithuanian-American painter born on April 22, 1938, in Dabikinė, Akmenės District, Lithuania. Despite being born in Lithuania, he holds American citizenship. Zapkus is known for his contributions to the New York art scene and his association with the New York School of painting.
Education: Zapkus studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he earned his BFA in 1960. He later received his MFA from Syracuse University in New York in 1963.
Career: Zapkus's work is characterized by its abstract and socially conscious themes, often blending elements of structure and expression. His paintings aim to evoke complex contemporary life experiences through non-linear interactions of visual elements. Zapkus has participated in numerous exhibitions, including solo shows and group exhibitions such as the "Contemporary Lithuanian Artists" in Paris and "Parallel Time" in Vilnius.
Artistic Philosophy
Zapkus emphasizes the importance of experiential variables in his work, focusing on the structural, social, and evocative aspects of phenomena and art issues. He rejects traditional pictorialism, instead seeking to create works that engage viewers over time, much like musical compositions. His approach to painting is maximalist, addressing simultaneity and cross-referential signage in a non-hierarchical manner.
Recognition and Legacy
Kes Zapkus is considered one of the most prominent Lithuanian artists active in the United States, deeply rooted in the New York art scene. His contributions to abstract painting and his unique approach to capturing contemporary experiences have made him a notable figure in modern art.
