Gintautas Gascevičius at “Baltic Nights” – From a Mystical Novel to Theatre of Sound

On 19 August 2026 at 7 p.m., the programme of the international sculpture creative workshop “Baltic Nights” will feature a meeting with renowned Šiauliai artist Gintautas Gascevičius (Ginc). In the historic Bugailiškis apple orchard of the Šiauliai Culture Centre Gallery “Laiptai” (Žemaitės St. 83), the artist will present his latest work – the mystical novel “KA ir BA”. The book brings contemporary Šiauliai together with the ancient Egyptian concept of the soul, intertwining reality with mysticism and philosophical questions. The literary part of the evening will be followed by an original musical performance combining acoustic instruments, electronics, unexpectedly sounding objects, visuals and improvisation.
Organised by Šiauliai Culture Centre. Funded by Šiauliai City Municipality.
The event is free of charge.

Gintautas Gascevičius is a drummer, composer, performer, experimental musician and writer whose work is characterised by a constant search for unexpected connections between different art forms. For him, music extends far beyond traditional instruments and conventional concert formats – environmental sounds, everyday objects, visuals, improvisation and the surrounding space itself all play an important role in his creative process. Throughout his long artistic career, G. Gascevičius has explored a wide range of forms of expression, while in recent years literature has taken an increasingly prominent place alongside music in his work.

A new chapter in G. Gascevičius’ creative career is marked by the publication of his first novel, “KA ir BA”, in 2026. The title of the mystical thriller is borrowed from the ancient Egyptian concept of the soul, while at the heart of the story are three people and one city caught between two realities. Familiar scenes of contemporary Šiauliai intertwine with unexplained phenomena, dreams and strange coincidences.

“The city reveals itself only when you begin to question what you see,” says G. Gascevičius.

In the novel, the author explores the boundary between visible and invisible reality, human consciousness, guilt, responsibility and the illusion of freedom. Mystical tension is intertwined with philosophical questions about how much we truly understand the world around us and to what extent our choices are shaped by processes we cannot see. On the evening of 19 August, G. Gascevičius will share more about his debut novel and the story behind its creation during a meeting with the audience.

Music – an inseparable part of G. Gascevičius’ creative journey – will also take centre stage during the evening. Following the book presentation, the artist will present an original musical performance and theatre of sound, bringing together acoustic instruments, electronics, unexpectedly sounding objects, visuals and improvisation. The sonic journey will move from quiet, almost meditative episodes to intense rhythmic climaxes, transforming everyday objects into instruments, noise into music and silence into an integral element of the composition.

The international sculpture creative workshop “Baltic Nights” will continue until 23 August. On Baltic Way Day, at 7 p.m., an exhibition of works created during the workshop will open in the historic Bugailiškis apple orchard of the Šiauliai Culture Centre Gallery “Laiptai”. The project will culminate with a concert of original music by composer Antanas Jasenka.

For more information, please contact Kristina Alseikė, Event Organiser at the Exhibitions Department of Šiauliai Culture Centre, tel. +370 658 80 507, email: kristina.alseike@siauliukc.lt.

Photos by Dainius Čeplas, Eglė Ščerbinskaitė and from the artist’s personal archive.