• The Museum of Avant-Garde
• Deadline: May 31st, 2025
• Prize: Exhibition in Switzerland + Exposure
• Category: Several Categories
• Entry Fees: Yes
• REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE
Antanas Sutkus is a renowned Lithuanian photographer recognized for his emotionally rich and perceptive portraits. Born in 1939 in Kluoniškiai, Lithuania, his journey into photography began during his childhood when he bought his first camera with money earned from digging peat alongside his mother. Initially working as a photojournalist, Sutkus transitioned to freelance photography in 1968, focusing on capturing the everyday lives of people living under Soviet rule.
Influenced by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sutkus aimed to "paint a psychological portrait of contemporary life." His most famous project, People of Lithuania, offers a poignant depiction of Lithuania's evolving social fabric. Rather than showcasing idealized Soviet figures, Sutkus emphasized authentic moments of ordinary citizens.
In 1965, Sutkus gained international acclaim for his memorable portraits of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir during their visit to Lithuania. His iconic image of Sartre on the dunes of the Curonian Spit remains a defining example of his ability to portray the human side of cultural icons.
A passionate advocate for photography as an art form, Sutkus co-founded the Lithuanian Photography Art Society in 1960, where he also served as president. The organization significantly contributed to elevating Lithuanian photography on the global stage. Today, his works are part of major collections, including the Lithuanian Museum of Art in Vilnius, the National Library and Museum of French Photography in Paris, the International Center of Photography in New York, the Museum of Photography in Helsinki, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
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