EXHIBITION OF EXILE TEXTILES AND SCULPTURAL OBJECTS “STITCHED”

During WWII and in the post-war period, large-scale deportations took place in Lithuania. It is estimated that more than 130,000 people were deported from Lithuania between 1940 and 1953. In the face of the threat of extinction, it was important to preserve identity and strengthen the spirit. Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum collects silent witnesses of the exile: unique small handicrafts made by deportees (vizitėlės, which are pieces of embroidery with a short text, memory books – decorative hearts with inscriptions, brooches, etc.). These handicrafts are a material embodiment of memory, resistance and identity. They were brought to Lithuania by the deportees from the harshest parts of the Soviet Union. The textiles contain individual stories and accumulated knowledge, as well as become a message or a sign to be sent and received.

Authentic handicrafts of the deportees and their creators’ stories are the foundation of the exhibition at the museum. In the exhibition, the historical perspective will merge with the artistic one as the museum treasures will become a reflection for seven artists:  Džiugas Karalius and Giedrius Bučas, Marius Jonutis, Eglė and Rokas Kašėtos, Lina Jonikė and Greta Kardi-Kardišiūtė. Inspired by the handicrafts made in exile, they will create original works that will be exhibited as a part of the exhibition at Kaunas Ninth Fort Memorial Complex. The outdoor stands with the photographs of authentic artefacts will become the core of the exhibition.

The exhibition will be on display in the territory of Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum. The visit is free of charge.

The organiser of the exhibition – Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum
The exhibition is financed by the Lithuanian Council for Culture

^{Project manager and designer – Renata Vinckevičiūtė-Kazlauskienė (Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum)
Curator of the project – Eglė Pietarytė (Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum)
Historical content consultant – Auksuolė Čepaitienė (Lithuanian History Institute)
Photographer – Matas Laužadis
Authors of the artistic installations: Džiugas Karalius and Giedrius Bučas, Marius Jonutis, Eglė and Rokas Kašėtos, Lina Jonikė and Greta Kardi-Kardišiūtė
Main information partner – LRT
Information partners: “Kauno diena”, JSC “Baltijos vaizdinė reklama”
Partner – Lithuanian History Institute
Production – JSC “Cyanus”
For the means for the artistic installations we would like to thank: JSC “Dero”, business center “Drobės fabrikas”, JSC “Omrina”,
We thank to JSC „Patatos bistro“}