VILNIUS - Photographs of Old Town by Kestutis Stoskus

Kęstutis Stoškus is a Lithuanian architectural photographer and museum curator. He graduated in economics from the University of Vilnius in 1973 and has worked as a photographer since 1985. He is known as a master of black-and-white photography and prefers to focus on the architectural aspects of Vilnius, continuing the tradition of other photographers closely related to the city. Stoskus' photographs of buildings are often captured up close to highlight its scale, detail and decor. He takes advantage of the the hills surrounding the city to capture the essence of the city from above.

It is clear to see from the exhibition that Stoskus' interest is in highlighting the beautiful architecture of the city, rather than the daily lives of its inhabitants. This is evident by the way he blurs out the rare appearance of people in his photographs. The exhibition also gives off the impression that Vilnius is very much a religious city. The regular appearance of cathedrals, churches and graveyards gives testament to this. The images of run-down parts of the city also lend weight to it being religious, as religion would have prospered in the more poverty stricken areas. Another reason for Stoskus' to photograph these areas could possibly be to capture them before they disappear in an ever modernising world.

Rasu Cemetery in Winter

The above photograph is one of Rasu Cemetery in Vilnius, taking by Stoskus. It was taking during the winter and the presence of the snow against the black-and-white imagery makes the photograph stand out and draws you in. The scattered headstones and the overhanging trees bring a somewhat eerie feel but at the same time could also be interpreted as peaceful.