Rafal Piesliak, Off-cuts, 2024. Photo by Gediminas Sass ©
To celebrate its 14th anniversary, (AV17) Gallery invites art enthusiasts to the opening of Little Apocalypse of Mine, a solo exhibition by acclaimed sculptor and installation artist Rafal Piesliak. The event kicks off on January 30 at 6 PM and will also feature the unveiling of a new gallery catalogue.
Rafal Piesliak has earned a reputation for his profound exploration of sociocultural themes through sculpture and installation. Known for his sensitive and thought-provoking approach, Piesliak examines the fragility of memory, the dynamics of human connection, and the impact of environmental changes. His creative process often involves repurposing discarded household and industrial objects, transforming them into conceptual commentaries on the consequences of these global phenomena. His art doesn’t just sit within the gallery—it interacts with it. By skillfully incorporating light into his works, Piesliak enhances their aesthetic and spatial presence, creating a multisensory experience for viewers.
Rafal Piesliak, Garden, 2020. Photo by Rytis Šeškaitis ©
In Little Apocalypse of Mine, Piesliak presents a series of new installations that look into the accelerating pace of technological advancement and its effects on society. Steering clear of superficial critiques of modern technology or artificial intelligence, the exhibition focuses on timeless, universal matters. By using light installations and rare, outdated industrial components, Piesliak highlights the hidden consequences of technological progress. The works reflect on the evolution of tools, professions, and the labour market, and how these changes reshape human lives on both a personal and collective level.
Rafal Piesliak, It could be a flower, but it’s not, 2020. Photo by Jonas Balsevičius ©
The exhibition transforms (AV17) Gallery into a haunting, post-apocalyptic environment. Viewers are invited to entertain themselves in this space, engaging actively with the works and tapping into a collective memory. The interplay of light, space, and object creates a deeply intuitive connection between the audience and the changing world the artist portrays.
Born in 1983, Rafal Piesliak is a Vilnius Academy of Arts graduate who has made a significant mark on the international art scene. His solo exhibitions span Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, Italy, and Germany, among others, and his works are prominently featured in public spaces. Over the years, Piesliak has received prestigious accolades, including the Polish State Award for Cultural Merits in 2010 and the Best Installation/Sculpture Award at ArtVilnius’20 for his piece Garden.
Little Apocalypse of Mine will be on display at (AV17) Gallery (Totorių str. 5, Vilnius) until March 6.
Rafal Piesliak, Material, 2021. Photo by Adam Gut ©
