Lithuania’s name once again resonates on the global art stage – the prestigious international art magazine “Frieze” has included the opera-performance „Sun & Sea“ by artists Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė, Vaiva Grainytė, and Lina Lapelytė in its list of the best artworks of the 21st century.
“Frieze”, an international magazine dedicated to contemporary art and culture, is considered one of the most authoritative voices in the art world. Its list features works that have transformed the understanding of art and left a mark on cultural history. This year, the magazine invited 200 artists, curators, critics, and museum directors from around the world to name the most memorable and influential works of the past 25 years. Based on their nominations, a list of 25 artworks was compiled – a snapshot of the contemporary art canon. Among them is Lithuania’s own “Sun & Sea”. This recognition is not only a great honour for the creators but also for Lithuania as a whole.
“Sun & Sea” is a hypnotic fusion of opera, performance, and visual art. Viewers observe a beach scene from above: singing sunbathers lie on the sand, chatting about everyday concerns. Gradually, this seemingly superficial world reveals deeper themes – climate change, exhaustion, and fragility. The work reflects modern humanity, resting on the edge between pleasure and catastrophe. “Sun & Sea” stands as a unique, bold, and poetic message from Lithuanian art to the world.
Since its premiere, the piece has continuously carried Lithuania’s name across the international art scene. In 2019, “Sun & Sea” represented Lithuania at the 58th Venice Biennale, where it received the top honour – the “Golden Lion” for Best National Participation. Since then, the opera-performance has toured five continents, 31 countries, and 41 cities, showcasing Lithuanian creativity from Australia and South America to Asia, Europe, and North America.
“Sun & Sea’ is a triumph of Lithuanian culture, confirming that our artists’ voices are heard and respected worldwide. Today, Lithuania can rightfully take pride in its creators – Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė, Vaiva Grainytė, and Lina Lapelytė – whose art not only captivates the world but also helps shape its cultural landscape.
