Lithuania was the first Soviet republic to declare independence after fifty six years of Soviet occupation. However, that independence came only in 1990. For most of us that year is synonymous with the brilliance of Italia 90, but for Lithuanians it was about their reintroduced to freedom, so it is no surprise that the country can occupy the attention of an entire festival, called declassified, at Rich Mix in Shoreditch.
The festival has been put together to explore graphic art, moving images and live performances from Lithuania. One of the most interesting aspects of the festival is the Lithuanian Film Posters exhibition at Rich Mix.
With a significant portion of its history steeped in its occupation by the Soviet Union, Lithuanian art was always going to be influenced by it. The exhibition pulls together 69 original Lithuanian film posters spanning four decades. Taken from the personal archives of the photographer Marta Ovod, the exhibition will display the transitions that Lithuanians were subjected to through posters for films.
The Lithuanian Film Posters exhibition is free and opens on Saturday 9th April, running throughout to the 30th April. The Gallery at Rich Mix is open between 9am and 6pm.
