On July 23, at the exhibition opening held in Vilnius, at the “Corner Hotel”, relatives, friends, colleagues, clients, representatives of the cultural community and photography enthusiasts gathered to congratulate the photographer. The anniversary evening became not only a celebration of Greta’s creative journey, but also a nostalgic look at the city, which has changed almost beyond recognition over three decades.
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Vilnius between past and future
The photographs from 1998 exhibited at the exhibition take us back to a time when Valdas Adamkus took the presidential oath, the tradition of commemorating February 16 moved to the balcony of the House of Signatories, the Republic of Užupis was born, payphones still stood on the streets of Vilnius, and “Zhigulis” and “Moskvich” cars rolled alongside newer automobiles.
However, the most important heroes of “Vintage Vilnius” are not the city’s buildings or historical events, but people.
“I wanted to show not only how Vilnius looked, but also how it felt. The most important thing in these photographs is people. Their faces still reflect the period of change, but at the same time – smiles, curiosity, and freedom that had already firmly settled in our hearts,” says G. Skaraitienė.
The photographs preserved the daily life of Vilnius, its streets, people, and moments that have now become the city’s history. The capital grew, renewed itself, and created a new face. This dialogue between past and future is also created by the main patron of the exhibition – the real estate development company “Rinvest”, which through its activities contributes to what the city is today and what it will be tomorrow.
One of the company’s newest projects is the residential quarter “Bukčiai”, being developed next to the Neris river and Bukčiai forest, where respect for local history and environment is combined with modern quality of life.
Thirty years with a camera
G. Skaraitienė began her journey as a photographer in 1996. Over three decades of creativity, her lens captured stories of Lithuanian culture, society, and daily life, but Vilnius and its people always held a special place in the author’s archive.
Although today Greta is one of Lithuania’s most prominent press photographers, she admits that photography was not her childhood dream.
“I wanted to be an art teacher. I came to photography almost by accident, which is why I always say that I didn’t choose photography – photography chose me. Now I understand that it was the best thing that ever happened to me,” says the photographer.
Over thirty years of creative work, she immortalized thousands of people and many important events in Lithuanian culture, politics, and public life. Nevertheless, the greatest gift of the profession for Greta has always been the opportunity to create and get to know people.
“Those thirty years passed very quickly, but they were incredibly interesting. It’s a dream job. I’ve always enjoyed creativity and working with people,” she says.
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The most important companion on the creative journey
Greta calls her husband, photographer Vygintas Skaraitis, the most important companion on her creative journey. They are connected not only by family but also by the same profession – together they studied photography, raised daughters, shared creative ideas, and supported each other on an intense professional path.
“He helped me realize myself and achieve what I dreamed of,” says the photographer about her husband.
Asked how she manages not to lose her creative perspective in the constant whirlwind of work and events, Greta emphasizes the importance of being able to stop.
“To create something, to evaluate the quality of your work, and to find a thread that could turn into an exhibition, you need to stop. Only in a pause can you truly create something. And for such ideas to become a reality, you need people who believe in them,” says the exhibition author.
Anniversary evening – with music and special accents
The musical atmosphere and technical implementation of the anniversary evening were handled by the “Atik Esup” team. Rokas Baltūsis, the founder of the music studio, took to the DJ deck, and singer Monika Mėčiūtė presented a live music program.
A pleasant surprise for the attendees was the anniversary cake created by “Cake Time”, decorated with Greta’s first photograph published in the press.
The party’s theme became the feeling of 1998, and the dress code was jeans.
The party was organized by TV director and journalist Redita Survilaitė.
“Vintage Vilnius” complemented G. Skaraitienė’s long-standing collection of solo exhibitions. The photographer has already presented exhibitions such as “100 Portraits of Real People”, “Vilnius Jazz Portraits”, “Layers of Jazz”, “Our Tiny Lives”, “Unforgotten”, “BrassMANIA”, “With M. K. Čiurlionis”, “Cats”, “Bellies”, “Sweet Moment” and others.
“Photography gave me a life full of people, stories, and moments. If I had to choose again, I would choose exactly the same path,” says G. Skaraitienė.
The exhibition “Vintage Vilnius” will be displayed for a week at the “Corner Hotel” in Vilnius. In August–September, it will move to the K29 business center, where even more residents and guests of the capital will be able to visit it.
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