Jonas Rimša: One of the Most Vivid Artists of Lithuania
A loner, and remarkably hard-working artist has painted close to 1000 works and held over 30 solo exhibitions.
Jonas Rimša (Juan Rimsa) was born in 1903 in Svėdasai and grew up in Kaunas. Bowing to the will of his father, he graduated from the best sewing school in Vienna, and afterwards, completely focused on studying art, he went further abroad to search for his destiny elsewhere.
Rhythm. From Aymara Trilogy III (1962) by Jonas RimšaNoewe Foundation
In 1931–1934 he attended the Buenos Aires Academy of Art (Academia Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires), which was the best institution of its kind in all of South America. In 1943, in the city of Sucre, the artist established an art school and was its director.
However, one year later, the government needed to reduce its expenses and the school was forced to close. Unhindered, Rimša selected 21 of his most gifted students and established a private art school, the Curso Superior de Bellas Artes, which was in operation until 1951.
Aymara Concert (1965) by Jonas RimšaNoewe Foundation
In the art world, the students of this school became known as “Rimša’s Group”. He provided financial support to his students, and personally allocated funds to send more than a handful of talented Bolivian artists to pursue their studies in Europe.
Jonas Rimša was honoured in the cultural sphere in Bolivia, being presented with the highest distinction given to civilians, the Cóndor de Los Andes award. He was also made a Honourary Citizen of Bolivia.
Jonas Rimša is one of the most vivid artists of the Lithuanian diaspora to have promoted Lithuania abroad. Entertaining his interest in the ancient Inca civilization, he spent much time travelling through Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru.
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