June 12–September 14, 2025
The second round of exhibitions organised under the directorship of Valentinas Klimašauskas closes on September 14. The closing weekend will include a programme of events related to the exhibition “Borders are Nocturnal Animals / Sienos yra naktiniai gyvūnai.”
Taking over the leadership of the CAC from its founding director Kęstutis Kuizinas in early 2025, Klimašauskas issued a public letter, in which he described the CAC as an ‘already historically significant institution.’ He put forward a vision of the CAC as a vital artistic and intellectual hub for the region.
It is essential, in this vision, that the institution addresses a “complex and often elusive” present reality and “actively contributes to shaping historical, social, and other forms of justice while fostering new visions for the future.”
“My vision is for the CAC to embody openness and transparency,” wrote Klimašauskas, pointing to the architecture of the 1960s venue as a legacy that both inspires and supports this direction. “In these times of overwhelming change, generosity in all its forms—whether aesthetic, intellectual, informational, emotional, or empathic—must become the guiding principle of the renewed CAC.”
To this end, the institution turns towards its visitors, including art professionals and the general public alike, and engages advisory voices to support fairer and more effective institutional practices.
Borders are Nocturnal Animals / Sienos yra naktiniai gyvūnai
Curated by Neringa Bumblienė and Emilie Villez, this exhibition is the second iteration of a project first presented simultaneously at KADIST Paris and the Palais de Tokyo in autumn 2024, as part of the Season of Lithuania in France.
Rooted in the geopolitical turmoil caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine, the exhibition explores the colonial histories of Lithuania and the region beyond, weaving connections into a broader international narrative. Three years after the full-scale invasion began, what forms of normality are possible in the shadow of the ongoing conflict, as we witness history repeating itself again? The exhibition highlights stories from different regions of the world and amplifies decolonial narratives long overshadowed by dominant power discourses.
This exhibition is developed in collaboration with KADIST.
Participating artists: Andrius Arutiunian, Beyond the post-soviet with Anna Zvyagintseva, Louisa Bufardeci, Shilpa Gupta, Danylo Halkin, Agnė Jokšė, Nikita Kadan, Nikolay Karabinovych, Zhang Kechun, Viktor & Sergiy Kochetov, Jiři Kovanda, Agnieszka Kurant, Sandra Monterroso, Ciprian Mureșan, Deimantas Narkevičius, Marija Olšauskaitė, Prabhakar Pachpute, Vandy Rattana, Christine Rebet, Christian Salablanca, Algirdas Šeškus, Emilija Škarnulytė, Slavs and Tatars, Anastasia Sosunova, Shimpei Takeda, Kota Takeuchi, Thu Van Tran, Nomeda & Gediminas Urbonas, Aaron Young, Shen Yuan.
Gerda Paliušytė: Expectations
Expectations is the latest chapter in Gerda Paliušytė’s ongoing project Guys and Blue Flowers, which has evolved over several years. The project comprises two photographic series—Guys (since 2021) and Blue Flowers (since 2022)—always shown together and exploring standardised systems and various forms of intimacy. Curated by Asta Vaičiulytė, the exhibition also includes a sculptural object by Gediminas G. Akstinas.
Gerda Paliušytė is an artist based in Vilnius. She is interested in various documentary practices, historical and popular culture phenomena and characters, and their relationship to social reality. Her films, photographs, and installations often explore different forms of intimacy and collective existence.
Piotr Bury Łakomy: Garden Exit
Garden Exit presents works produced by the artist specifically for the spaces of the CAC. The title subtly references the Garden of Eden, but rather than reinforcing its typical Western interpretation, it proposes a conscious exit instead of an exile, suggesting a separation from the idea of pristine nature.
Piotr Bury Łakomy lives and works in Poznań, Poland. His practice interweaves themes of embodiment, architecture, and garden cultivation, frequently responding to the precarious conditions of contemporary urban life – from overcrowded balconies to elusive patches of green. The exhibition is curated by Edvardas Šumila.
In addition
On September 3, 2025, curator and writer Fatoş Üstek will speak about her book The Art Institution of Tomorrow at the CAC Reading Room
On September 6 and 7, the CAC will host a meeting of the Baltic-Nordic Artists and Art Workers Initiatives Network
Please follow CAC online for further information.
