Beyond Heaven & Earth

As the sun gently set over the picturesque landscapes of Friesland, I was grateful to be there at Museum Belvédère for a remarkable cultural event last week thanks to the Embassy of Lithuania's graciously extended invitation. It was an honour to be among the esteemed guests at the opening ceremony of the exhibition dedicated to the works of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911) at Museum Belvédère. This exhibition marks a significant milestone as it becomes the first museum in the Netherlands to showcase the artistic legacy of this iconic Lithuanian composer and visual artist.

Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis is not merely a name; he embodies the spirit of Lithuanian culture and creativity. His compositions resonate with profound emotion, while his visual art transports viewers into realms of imagination and symbolism. Throughout history, Čiurlionis has emerged as a towering figure, celebrated as a national icon whose contributions continue to inspire generations. I must certainly say that walking through the exhibit felt like visiting a museum of my childhood.

What struck me most was the seamless fusion of cultures and histories encapsulated within the exhibition. While rooted in Lithuanian heritage, Čiurlionis' art transcends borders, inviting individuals from all walks of life to partake in its beauty and significance. It is a testament to the universal language of art, which knows no boundaries and fosters connections beyond geographical divides. At this point its interesting to quote the King’s commissioner Arno Brok’ speech on the day:

“In his[Čiurlionis] last days he painted the sea, which was an important source of inspiration. And that sea brings me to another Frisian artist, Poet Tsjebbe Hettinga.  In Hettinga’s poems the landscape of his own region plays an important role. The poet celebrates the sea, the sky, but most of all the shore, the line where two worlds meet.  

The same sea, about which Čiurlionis wrote: 

“Powerful sea. Great, boundless, immeasurable.  

The whole sky envelops your waves with its blue, and you, full of 

greatness, are filled with silence and peace, for you know that there is no 

limit to your power, your majesty, your being is infinite.  

Great, mighty, great sea! “

In a world often marked by divisions and differences, initiatives such as this exhibition serve as a beacon of hope and unity. It reminds us of the richness that lies in diversity and the transformative potential of shared experiences. As my eyes wandered through the epic paintings and artefacts of Čiurlionis, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness history in the making and to be part of a community united by a love for art and culture. As the exhibition at Museum Belvédère continues to unfold, I am filled with anticipation for the conversations it will spark and the connections it will forge. May Čiurlionis' legacy serves as a bridge between nations, inspiring dialogue, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the tapestry of human creativity.

All photography by Cor Pot.