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Rimas K. Simaitis
'He Preaches To The Birds', 2008
Rimas K. Simaitis
'They Understand Each Other', 2008
Rimas K. Simaitis
'He Smelled Smoke as He Sipped His Lemonade', 2009
Global warming is a subject of increasing importance, but also a source of - let's be honest - increasing sarcasm and boredom amongst those of us who are not directly involved in the effects of the heating planet. For those who are not losing their cattle or the land of their forefathers because of unbearable drought, it is great to see an artist who attacks the subject differently. Less threatening, less pleading, but with a similar passion and commitment to Al Gore's, Rimas K. Simaitis offers a way to entertain, generate and grow some environmentally aware thoughts. And hopefully we are able to keep them alive this time.
Rimas K. Simaitis, born Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, USA, is intrigued by the human impulse to reach for the highest summit and to attain great heights of prosperity. This characteristic is innate in human behaviour and also championed by capitalism and consumer society. Simaitis believes it ironic that in order to save the world we live in, our cultural urge to conquer it must now be overcome.
In his sculptural installations he addresses the topic of disposability and the incapability of the modern day man to create a sustainable environment. For 'They Understand Each Other' (2008), Simaitis grew wildflowers in used Starbucks cups and placed them in one of three suspended logs, next to dead and fake versions of themselves. Showing The Real, The Dead and The Fake together, inevitably raises questions about the natural aspects of society and human creation. The piece was exhibited during PARK(ing) Day, when artists were invited to fill parking spaces with creativity rather than cars.
In 'He Smelled Smoke As He Sipped His Lemonade' (2009), a floor sculpture of the animals that once used to roam the land, Simaitis addresses both the romantic illusion of the invincibility of life and the uncomfortable future of an artificial reality. The piece pays tribute to life after it has been conquered by the lifeless: a beautiful memory and a cruel truth. Without fearing the dark side of reality, Simaitis shows in his work a solid commitment to nature and a sheer love of life, which hopefully are contagious.
To view his profile page on Saatchi Online click here, and visit the artist's own website, www.rksim.com.
Georgia Haagsma |
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) Georgia Haagsma studied at the University of Amsterdam, the Gerrit Rietveld Academy and moved to London to finish her BA in Cultural Studies at University College London, where she graduated with honours in Art, Science and Practice. She is freelance art critic and works for an architectural practice in Central London. |
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| Published on 09-11-2009 |
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