The leitmotif of M. K. Čiurlionis’s work is subtle light, which appears in many pieces of his oeuvre as an object of energy, calmness, hope, and attraction, just like a shining sun that draws in and paves the way. Artist Petras Saulėnas interprets Čiurlionis’s light through contrast by placing it in a narrow street of the old-town of Vilnius, next to the M. K. Čiurlionis house; An immense object symbolizing the sun, covered by Čiurlionis-like fog and subtle light shades, which accompany the passers-by. Thereby the spectators become part of the picture as they move towards the Light. It invites them to feel its greatness, and creates an “entry” to the genius of Čiurlionis, whose year we celebrate in Vilnius this year.

“But you need to have a light within you, to shine in the darkness for all who are on the road, so that when they see it, they find the light within themselves and continue on their path, so they do not remain in darkness as if they do not know where they must go, because such people can easily be swept away by the storm, not seeing the light that appears anew and beautifully after the storm. The light before the storm, the storm, and the light after the storm—this has been the case since the beginning of the world.” – M. K. Čiurlionis.