Interview: Aurėja Jucevičiūtė
Luca Curci talks with Aurėja Jucevičiūtė winner of the INTERNATIONAL CONTEST 18TH EDITION.

Aurėja Jucevičiūtė is a Lithuanian graphic designer, illustrator and conceptual artist. Her portfolio is wide, ranging from digital conceptual projects, kinetics, audiovisual installations, traditional artworks, fantastic illustrations with an allusion to ethnography, to abstract philosophical visualizations of music.

Luca Curci – Which artists have somehow influenced your work?
Aurėja Jucevičiūtė – Among Lithuanian artists, I deeply admire painter-composer M.K. Čiurlionis and stage designer Liudas Truikys. Their works synthesize music, visual art, and symbolic references-from Egyptian and Japanese motifs to Christian, pagan, and folk traditions. This layered, philosophical approach resonates with my own search for ethereal depth in art. Internationally, I’m inspired by David Spriggs’ illusionistic installations, where he paints on transparent layers to create 3D visual illusions. His exploration of invisible forces is compelling. I also admire Iris van Herpen, whose avant-garde fashion bridges complexity and elegance. Her interdisciplinary vision reflects my interest in blending textiles, sound, and animation in immersive installations. As a graphic designer, I’m drawn to the poetic minimalism of French agency Le Murmure, whose emotional storytelling and refined aesthetics deeply influence my visual language.

LC – How much has the city/country in which you grew up/born affected your work as an artist?
AJ – I was born and raised in Kaunas, Lithuania. While my art explores universal themes, I continually return to my roots for clarity and inspiration. Lithuanian nature-its sacred forests, the Baltic Sea, and Nida’s white dunes-has left a lasting imprint on me, offering a sense of peace and connection. Culturally, Lithuania’s rich heritage fuels my work: polyphonic sutartinės songs, symbolic folk art, and even architectural influences like Kaunas’ art deco style. I incorporate these elements into audiovisual installations like The Sounding Patterns and Sutartinai, blending tradition with modern expression. Visiting the Čiurlionis Museum in Kaunas often revitalizes my creative energy.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it your medium of expression?
AJ – Absolutely. My work is a fusion of music, heritage, and abstraction, often rendered in minimalist, emotionally charged visuals. I explore existential themes-identity, memory, and culture-using controlled abstraction that mixes surrealism and expressionism. I frequently translate sound into visual form, crafting rhythmic patterns that echo music. Lately, Iìve focused on interdisciplinary projects like The Sounding Patterns and Sutartinai, which integrate textiles, sound, and animation into kinetic installations. These works reinterpret folk traditions through contemporary art, turning history into immersive experiences.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich yourself and your art?
AJ – Indeed. I always listen to my visitors suggestions, before making one decision or another. I think very carefully before doing this. It is very important to rely on intuition as well and be able to sift silver from ash.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
AJ – My themes vary, but they often reflect my inner world or respond to external events. Recently, I’ve become increasingly focused on reimagining Lithuanian culture through a modern lens. I blend ethnographic motifs, ancient songs, and historical architecture into abstract forms. Projects like The Sounding Patterns feature eleven-minute graphic animations of Lithuanian multipart songs, weaving visuals with Baltic symbols and seasonal cycles. The installation includes kinetic projections on handwoven textile screens, paired with soundscapes of loom weaving and live performances. Sutartinai expands on this, combining music, animation, and a sculptural bird figure inspired by Čiurlionis’ worldview. Performed with singers, dancers, and students, it aims to promote national identity through a modern retelling of folk culture.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
AJ – I view this as a precious opportunity for young artists to gently share their work and ideas with a global audience. The chance to participate in various categories allows you to present a diverse spectrum of works. It also offers a chance to expand one’s connections and encounter inspiring individuals from far and wide. It’s a kind of cultural exchange which is unique. I have participated in this contest for the first time and it is a priceless experience for me. It is a true pleasure to share my work, which humbly reflects the beauty and spirit of my country’s culture.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
AJ – Yes, it was a pleasure working together. I truly appreciated the collaboration and the opportunity to contribute. Thank you for the experience. Thank you for the opportunity to share my heritage with the world in a modern and meaningful way. It is an honor to bring the beauty of my roots into the present, and to celebrate tradition through a contemporary lens.