Three stainless steel sculptures “Royal Apple”, “Chain” and “Ship-crescent” symbolizing important events for the State of Lithuania will be installed this week under three bridges of Vilnius (Zirmunai, Zaliasis and Zverynas). The presentation of sculptures will start on June 12, 2010, at 12 p.m. near the Zirmunai bridge from which St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra (conductor Donatas Katkus) playing on a steamship will navigate towards the Zaliasis bridge, and later on – towards the Zverynas bridge.
These three sculptures are a part of “Vilnius signs” project by artist Kunotas Vildziunas. The project includes the total of six sculptures located under various bridges of Vilnius. Fourth sculpture “Beam-spear” is to be installed at the Baltasis bridge this autumn. The project is also included in the programme of events for the Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Lithuania.
Sculptures to appear under bridges are particularly large-scale (5 to 20 meters), interrelated by a single idea and form a holistic cycle. Forms of sculptures are an interpretation of universal symbols, especially those which blossomed out during the Age of Baroque.
Creators state that stainless steel signs present the new outlook on the history of Lithuania, interpretation of the nation’s and state’s past, present and future through the cultural and historic heritage of Vilnius, baroque Vilnius prints – emblems of the 17th c.
More details on sculptures:
ROYAL APPLE sculpture (under the Zirmunas bridge)
The beginning of Lithuania’s Statehood, looking back at the Western Christian world. The royal sign of Lithuanian rulers since Mindaugas until the Partition of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Size of the sculpture – 5,2×4,7 meters.
CHAIN sculpture (under the Zaliasis bridge)
Losses of freedom struggles. The sign of the nation that was able to withstand occupations, exiles, genocide and that has strong faith.
Size of the sculpture – 3,7×6,6 meters.
SHIP-CRESCENT sculpture (under the Zverynas bridge)
The ship of the Civil Nation uniting all historic periods, giving hope of continuity and renewal. The crescent is a recurrent official note of noblemen of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Length of the sculpture – 20 meters.
Author of the project idea and sculptures – Kunotas Vildziunas;
Co-author – Martynas Lukosius;
The project is implemented by: Vilnius City Municipality, Public Establishment “Vilnius Jerusalem Art Centre”
The main project sponsor: JSC Tiltra Group
Sponsors: The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania, Juozas Vitkus Engineer Battalion, CJSC “Tiltu ekspertu centras”, etc.
Information sponsors: LRT, LNK, alfa.lt