Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) have examined the murals in Lithuania”s second-largest city, Kaunas, identifying them as key components of a “linguistic landscape.” This concept interprets language as both visual and spatial. Their findings indicate that street art in Kaunas serves as a medium for cultural activism and collective memory, intertwining various languages, images, and historical contexts.
The study, published in the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, is led by Professors Saulutė Juzelėnienė and Saulė Petronienė. They assert that the multilingual murals created during Kaunas”s designation as the European Capital of Culture do much more than enhance the urban aesthetic; they transform how locals perceive their city, its history, and themselves. The researchers note that while some murals were officially commissioned, they have evolved into vital instruments for community reflection and dialogue, effectively converting public spaces into dynamic archives of cultural identity.
Professor Juzelėnienė states, “Murals depicting the Holocaust and deportation in locations like Ramybės Park and Mickevičius Street serve as places of remembrance, allowing individuals to pause and reflect. This does not simplify history; instead, it makes it more accessible and imbues it with emotional significance.”
Professor Petronienė, head of the KTU Center of Foreign Languages, emphasizes that Kaunas possesses a strong identity, being one of the most authentically Lithuanian cities. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the diverse communities that existed there between the wars, including Jews, Poles, Russians, and Germans. She highlights the city”s bohemian community, which comprised scholars educated at European universities.
The researchers explain that the linguistic landscape captures all visible forms of language in public areas, encompassing signs, advertisements, graffiti, and murals. They argue that honoring the multiculturalism that historically characterizes Kaunas through art is essential. “In today”s geopolitical climate, preserving historical memory is vital, especially given the genuine threat that our social and cultural advancements may regress, along with our freedoms,” asserts Professor Petronienė.
According to her, while not every aspect of history may evoke pride, it remains crucial to uphold historical awareness. “Murals represent an effective and accessible means to introduce both visitors and residents to the city”s past, ensuring it remains memorable,” she adds.
The research indicates that street art functions as a form of cultural activism, fostering civic pride and deepening interest in local history. Professor Juzelėnienė describes how street art subtly influences its surroundings, prompting curiosity among passersby to ask questions, take photographs, and share narratives. “Murals embed themselves in the collective memory, altering the relationship between the city”s inhabitants and their environment,” she notes.
Professor Juzelėnienė”s interest in street art began years ago when her family acquired an apartment near a synagogue, now recognized as the Kiemas Gallery. Initially, there were only a few drawings honoring the Jewish residents who once lived there. Following successful funding, more artworks emerged, transforming the courtyard into a cultural hub where art facilitates communication. “I feel a sense of contribution to the evolution of this space,” she reflects.
Researchers at KTU suggest that street art embodies community creativity and social interaction. They have collaborated with other European institutions on similar studies. While murals have become a defining characteristic of Kaunas, this art form is also prevalent in various locales globally, telling the stories of their histories. Professor Petronienė references Herlen, a Dutch city that experienced significant depopulation due to the coal industry”s decline. Once uninviting, the introduction of street art has revitalized the area, making it attractive and vibrant.
In addition to their analysis of murals, KTU scientists engaged with the artists responsible for the artworks. The creators emphasized that their work represents both a creative and social endeavor, with many noting the importance of connecting with the local community. “Creators view their murals not as completed works but as ongoing processes that live on in community memory,” explains Juzelėnienė.
All murals analyzed by the KTU team were created as Kaunas prepared for its European Capital of Culture year. The researchers ponder the extent to which this influenced the murals” content, as they may reflect an official narrative rather than the community”s authentic voice. Juzelėnienė suggests that murals located outside central Kaunas would likely express more dissenting and critical perspectives, presenting a more varied cultural representation of the city.
Despite concerns about “institutional regulation,” researchers contend that it has facilitated the sharing of long-silenced stories. “Our younger generation might not be familiar with Kaunas”s rich and multifaceted history. These wall artworks convey messages that can inspire them to seek knowledge from family members, friends, or teachers,” concludes Professor Petronienė.
For more details, refer to the study by Saulute Juzeleniene et al, “Painting the linguistic landscape of Kaunas: a study of multilingual murals in public spaces,” published in the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development.
