Poster "We were born Lithuanians..."

In official symbolism, Vilnius, the historic capital, and Klaipėda, the country’s seaport, which was critical to its economy, were both perceived as integral parts of the state. They conveyed a vision of a thriving Lithuania in the interwar years, a country with access to the sea, preserving its historical memory, and enjoying economic freedom in the 20th century. The poster We were born Lithuanians ... by Vincas Dilka (1912–1997) conveys this feeling. It shows the Columns of Gediminas decorated with the coats of arms of three cities, Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda. Portraits of Antanas Smetona and Vytautas the Great represent the historical continuity of the state. Portraits of prominent national figures from the past were often placed next to portraits of modern political leaders, as if to continue the work of their predecessors and consolidate their authority.

Text authors Dovilė Barcytė and Ieva Burbaitė

Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album KAUNAS–VILNIUS / 1918–1945 (2021). Compilers and text authors Dovilė Barcytė and Ieva Burbaitė
Expositions: "1918-1945 / Kaunas-Vilnius", 27 August 2020 – 21 August 2021, Lithuanian Art Centre TARTLE (Užupio St. 40, Vilnius). Curators Dovilė Barcytė and Ieva Burbaitė.

In official symbolism, Vilnius, the historic capital, and Klaipėda, the country’s seaport, which was critical to its economy, were both perceived as integral parts of the state. They conveyed a vision of a thriving Lithuania in the interwar years, a country with access to the sea, preserving its historical memory, and enjoying economic freedom in the 20th century. The poster We were born Lithuanians ... by Vincas Dilka (1912–1997) conveys this feeling. It shows the Columns of Gediminas decorated with the coats of arms of three cities, Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda. Portraits of Antanas Smetona and Vytautas the Great represent the historical continuity of the state. Portraits of prominent national figures from the past were often placed next to portraits of modern political leaders, as if to continue the work of their predecessors and consolidate their authority.

Text authors Dovilė Barcytė and Ieva Burbaitė

Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album KAUNAS–VILNIUS / 1918–1945 (2021). Compilers and text authors Dovilė Barcytė and Ieva Burbaitė
Expositions: "1918-1945 / Kaunas-Vilnius", 27 August 2020 – 21 August 2021, Lithuanian Art Centre TARTLE (Užupio St. 40, Vilnius). Curators Dovilė Barcytė and Ieva Burbaitė.