Jonas Rimša

Place: Svėdasai

Born: 1903

Death: 1978

Biography:

Jonas Rimša (June 12, 1903 – March 13, 1978) is one of the most vivid artists of the Lithuanian diaspora to have promoted Lithuania abroad. Honored in the cultural sphere in Bolivia, he was presented with the highest distinction given to civilians, the Cóndor de Los Andes award. He was also made a Honourary Citizen of Bolivia. The Bolivian Government acquired approximately 300 paintings from the artist and distributed them among the most significant national offices. Rimša attended the Buenos Aires Academy of Art (Academia Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires) from 1931–1934, where he studied art. He established an art school in Sucre, Bolivia, which was later forced to close due to government expenses. However, he continued to teach and provide financial support to his students, sending some of them to study in Europe. Rimša's artwork is characterized by its emotional and expressive style, often depicting scenes from Bolivian life and the country's indigenous culture. He also explored themes related to love and nature, as seen in his painting 'Tamure / Meilės šokis' (around 1973). Throughout his career, Rimša created over 1000 paintings, with many of them being held in museums in Bolivia and the United States.