Slovak artist Mira Podmanicka's (b. 1981) area of creative interest is defined by forms of space perception, analysis, and creation. The artist creates site-specific installations in the galleries or project spaces located in historical buildings, thus inserting creation amid sculpture and architecture. The author is interested in the traces of the activities and/or artistic expression of the former inhabitants left in the walls of the buildings, which become an integral part of the contextuality of spaces. In her artistic practice, Mira Podmanicka takes a critical look at the economy of the cultural sector, which often lacks the resources to reconstruct or refurbish spaces in historical buildings. The works emphasize the fact that the layers of the wall remain with imperfections caused by uncontrolled environmental influences - humidity, mold, etc., for a long time.
This "fight against time" made relevant by the artist is also revealed in the exhibition The Wall. The artist is creating a site-specific installation in the former building of the Vilnius Basilian Women's Monastery, where the Arka gallery is currently operating. Although the function of the building has changed significantly from its original purpose, the exhibition spaces are closely linked to the city's historical past on both architectural and conceptual levels. This means that the spaces, which are considered a part of Vilnius Old Town heritage, cannot be radically changed or modernized, and the architectural elements marking the past function actively even after the reconstruction of the building.
This is the first solo exhibition of Mira Podmanicka in Lithuania. The Associate Professor in the Department of Sculpture, Objects, and Installation at the Academy of Arts and Design, Bratislava, since 2001 has been actively participating in various art projects, residencies, and exhibitions. Her works have been repeatedly presented in Lithuania at the Miniature Textile Biennial organized by Arka gallery as well as at the group exhibition of contemporary Slovak glass and ceramics design More is More II at V. Kasiulis Art Museum. The artist also works in the field of ceramics and jewelry design.