Two photography exhibitions opened in Šiauliai: from everyday urban life to apocalyptic visions

On March 19, 2026, two photography exhibitions were opened at the “Laiptai” Gallery of the Šiauliai Cultural Center – “In the Years of an Angry God. Apocalypse” by one of the most prominent Lithuanian photography creators Algimantas Aleksandravičius and “Imagined City” by photographer Marija Šileikaitė-Čičirkienė. Although the creative worlds of the authors differ, they meet in the gallery spaces and create an unexpected dialogue, complementing each other. One presents a sensitive, introspective взгляд at the city, the other – an expressive, тревожный взгляд at the human being and the world. The works of both authors were introduced by art theorist, critic, and photographer Virginijus Kinčinaitis.

In Marija Šileikaitė-Čičirkienė’s exhibition “Imagined City,” a subtle, personal relationship with the urban environment unfolds. The author invites viewers to look at the city not as a background, but as a living, constantly changing organism in which everyday life, memories, and personal experiences intertwine.

“You have to see the city not as beautiful, but as interesting,” says the photographer, emphasizing that the most important thing is the ability to notice details and discover a unique perspective.

In her photographs, ordinary views turn into visual stories in which not only documentary quality is important, but also personal perception. According to Virginijus Kinčinaitis, who presented the exhibition, the maintained structure is important to the author, as it is what creates the content.

“For an image to be as eloquent as a work of art, talent is needed. Marija Šileikaitė-Čičirkienė’s photographs are characterized by a clear structure and thoughtful composition. In them, the construction is always distinct and often dominant. The author chooses objects that are sometimes sharp, angular, and inclined toward abstraction.”

The author emphasizes that the most important thing is to love what you do, no matter which city you are in, and to create as you feel and see.

Meanwhile, Algimantas Aleksandravičius’ exhibition “In the Years of an Angry God. Apocalypse” invites viewers into a completely different – intense, dramatic, and emotionally charged – world. Here, the apocalypse is perceived not only as destruction, but also as an inner rupture, a moment of openness and truth.

According to art theorist and photographer Virginijus Kinčinaitis, in this cycle the author abandons his previous perspective and creates a “dramatic vision of a world drowning in dark chaos”:
“This world that was loved, that was created, is no more – it burns, it collapses into the abyss, it rusts, it decays. It is a constant process of disappearance. It is photography that seems to burn before our eyes, scattering ashes and sparks.”

According to Virginijus Kinčinaitis, the author provokes the viewer to experience this state, which can mean only one thing – after the ashes comes a time of purification and renewal, something new is born. What it will be is hard to say.

The art theorist also expressed his satisfaction that it is in Šiauliai, at the “Laiptai” Gallery, that another creative turning point of Algimantas Aleksandravičius is being exhibited, allowing it to be experienced up close.

The exhibitions will run until April 11. Admission is paid. Ticket price – 2 Eur. Information about discounts is available at the “Laiptai” Gallery.

Opening hours of the “Laiptai” Gallery of the Šiauliai Cultural Center: Tue–Fri – 11:00–18:00, Sat – 11:00–17:00.

More photos can be found on the “Laiptai” Gallery Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=LaiptuGalerija&set=a.1631015828649765

Photo by Gintarė Daknytė.

Information provided by Kristina Alseikė, event organizer of the Exhibition Department of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, tel. +370 658 80 507, email kristina.alseike@siauliukc.lt.