Directors Kristina Buožytė and Vitalijus Žukas have recently presented a new virtual reality experience, Creation of the Worlds, which invites the viewer to not only see, but also to experience the worlds of Mikolas Konstantinas Čiurlionis’ work. This is the second collaboration between the two directors, but on a thematic and emotional level, it is a completely new look at the work of one of Lithuania’s most prominent artists, according to the press release.

The interactive VR experience is based on more than 60 paintings by M. K. Čiurlionis, ranging from the widely recognised, such as The Tale of the Kings, to lesser-known but symbolically and emotionally rich works. Here, viewers can discover Čiurlionis’ painting cycles The Creation of the World, The City, The Deluge, Fantasies, The Serpent’s Sonata and the triptych The Fairy Tale.

According to the director K. Buožytė, the paintings for this experience were arranged in a very natural way, because in Čiurlionis’ work both symbols and environments often repeat and merge into separate worlds. In the same way, the themes are also repeated – also with an internal structure. “The theme that we have conveyed is about the creation of worlds – external, internal, metaphysical worlds. And how those worlds change and change us.”

In this recently launched virtual reality experience, the most important details of Čiurlionis’ work are revealed not only through sight, but also through feeling – they are seen with the eyes and felt with the heart. The visual motifs are intensified, opening up from a new angle, and the interactive space allows the viewer to create a deep, personal connection with the world created by the artist.

“Čiurlionis always talked about what lies deeper than appearances. With The Creation of the Worlds, we wanted to help people experience that beauty. Even for those who don’t know how to meditate or who have not been exposed to art, this work of ours can help them to stop, listen and remember that life is a miracle,” shares director V. Žukas.

How to look and what to discover?

Art critics suggest that Čiurlionis’s work should not be seen as a direct representation of nature, but as a spiritual journey in which nature becomes a symbol for expressing the inner experiences of man, cosmic harmony and the world order. In order to truly “read” his paintings, art critics urge us to look at them slowly, listening to their inner rhythm, the music of the lines and the language of the symbols – like listening to a symphony playing softly, where each image hides more than the naked eye can see.

The creators of the virtual experience emphasise that they have tried to create an experience that is as close to the original as possible – all the content comes directly from the symbolism of Čiurlionis’ paintings.

“Čiurlionis’ codes don’t need to be cracked – they just speak from the paintings. The artist speaks through colours, shapes and symbols, and virtual reality makes it possible to strengthen this relationship – it is as if it helps to get closer to the painting not only physically, but also emotionally. We allow the viewer to go deeper, to feel inside the painting. It’s an intense experience where the emotion reaches the person directly – without words,” says the director.

According to the director, Čiurlionis’s work is not only profound and philosophical, but also very light – and light is especially needed today, when the world is going through a difficult period.

Žukas echoes her when he says that “The Creation of the Worlds” requires special attention. It is not the traditional passive looking at paintings or art objects. Here, the viewer becomes an active participant – a traveller whose gaze awakens details, uncovering hidden symbols and visual layers. Observing the world of Čiurlionis, one can not only explore it, but also get closer – take a closer look at it.

Between the Limits of Time: when Čiurlionis speaks in contemporary terms

On the 150th anniversary of the birth of M. K. Čiurlionis, it may seem that a classic of this magnitude and modern technology – especially virtual reality – have nothing in common. As if the old and the new belonged to different worlds. But according to director K. Buožytė, this is just an illusion. “Čiurlionis’ works are particularly suited to the virtual reality platform. It seems that if he lived today, he would certainly create in this medium,” she reflects.

Music is an equally important part of this experience, as it becomes a bridge between eras, just like visual expression. The soundtrack created especially for this project combines the sound of electronic music with classical motifs interpreting the work of Čiurlionis. It was created by pianist Rokas Zubovas and composer Phil Vonas, who subtly merged different musical worlds into a coherent artistic whole.

According to the creators of the virtual reality experience, the soundtrack not only enhances the visual experience, but also enriches it with emotions, creating moods that touch the contemporary viewer with the same sensitivity as the entirety of Čiurlionis’ oeuvre.

The first joint work of K. Buožytė and V. Žukas, “On the Paths of Angels”, presented in 2020, invited the viewer to a quiet, metaphysical immersion into the worlds of Čiurlionis’ work. A new experience, The Creation of the Worlds, takes the viewer on a journey of discovery and inner human growth. Both works share the same idea – to open up Čiurlionis’ work through personal experience.