Ieva Seviakovaite “Leliumai“

Ieva Seviakovaite is a fashion designer specialising in sustainable fashion and uniforms. These themes also play a role in her artwork. In this photo series of approximately 20 silent and moving images in a scented environment, she investigates how flowers and plants form part of our cultural and personal identity.

“Leliumai" - a renowned refrain in Lithuanian Advent folk songs, was once used metaphorically to emphasise the beauty of the bright, mysterious season, as well as the relationship between humans and nature.

The genesis of this project traces back to the quarantine period, a time when Ieva cultivated a rustic Lithuanian flower garden. Delving into the essence of Lithuanian flora; she explored their origins, names, and cultural references, culminating in the project's title, 'Leliumai,' inspired by a beloved folk song. Experimenting with photography techniques, ordinary plants were transformed into captivating portraits, blurring the lines between photography and painting. Ieva ventured further to incorporate video and scents from essential oils, creating a multi-sensory experience to immerse viewers in the beauty and significance of nature. 

Supported by the Lithuanian Council for Culture