100 years of the death of M.K. Ciurlionis, symbolist painter and composer, commemorated in Tokyo
Updated 2011-02-15
The Embassy of Lithuania in Japan held an event to commemorate the centenary of the death of perhaps the most famous Lithuanian artist of all time, the symbolist painter and composer M.K. Ciurlionis, and the 93rd anniversary of the restoration of the state of Lithuania.
Among the guests were representatives from the Japanese Government, Imperial Household Agency, foreign diplomats, journalists, academic and cultural circles, and the Lithuanian community.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Kamaitis reminded that almost a century ago, the Council of Lithuania had announced the existence of the Lithuanian state, and that the present year marks the 20th anniversary since the diplomatic relations were established or restored with the majority of the states following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Introducing M.K. Ciurlionis, Ambassador noted that it was difficult to attribute his art to any particular European art movement of his time, as Ciurlionis went beyond the bounds of symbolism and the whole epoch of Decadence, occupying his own place at the outset of abstract art in the 20th century. The participants of the event had an opportunity of viewing M.K. Ciurlionis' paintings on the spot.
Hirofumi Nakasone, Chairman of Japan-Lithuania Parliamentary Group and leader the Liberal Democratic Party caucus in the House of Councillors, noted that during the 20 years since the diplomatic relations have been restored, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress visited Lithuania, and both countries have joined their hands in supporting reconstruction assistance in Afghanistan.
A concert was given by the Japanese pianist Yumiko Okawa, who performed a number of M.K. Ciurlionis works for piano.
