Born in 1922 in Semeniškiai, Lithuania – died in 2019 in Brooklyn, USA. Jonas Mekas was a legendary filmmaker, poet and artist whose work laid the foundations of independent cinema. A central figure of the New York avant-garde, he influenced generations of artists throughout the 20th century. From the 2000s, he expanded his practice into video installations and exhibited in major institutions worldwide.
About his work:
Jonas Mekas captured the poetry of daily life through diaristic filmmaking and later, immersive installations. His work is marked by intimacy, spontaneity, and a deep connection to memory and exile. With a distinctly lyrical style, he transformed fleeting moments into timeless reflections, blending personal narrative with universal emotion. His influence resonates across cinema, art, and literature.