Exhibition
How to Philosophically Survive the Anticipation of Catastrophe: The Meaning of Human Existence in the Face of the Inevitable
How to Philosophically Survive the Anticipation of Catastrophe: The Meaning of Human Existence in the Face of the Inevitable
The anticipation of catastrophe — whether ecological, technological, or existential — opens a window into the depths of human consciousness. Philosophically, it is not merely a state of anxiety, but a moment of potential enlightenment. A looming disaster, as a limit that is foreseen but not yet realised, compels us to reconsider our values, our relationship with time, and the meaning of existence itself.
First, time gains a new weight. Heidegger spoke of “being-towards-death” — the awareness of our finitude. In this light, waiting for disaster becomes a confrontation with the limits of our being. It is not purely destructive; rather, it offers an opportunity to reevaluate what truly matters: relationships, creativity, love, truth.
Second, the possibility of authentic life emerges. Faced with the potential collapse of the world, we are invited to stop living according to external demands and instead listen to our inner voice. This is the heart of existential ethics — not a supplement to life, but its very core.
Third, disaster reveals our shared humanity. Despite the illusion of individualism, the act of waiting uncovers a deeper sense of collective experience. We become mutually vulnerable, mutually responsible. It is a call to solidarity and a shared consciousness.
Philosophically, the anticipation of catastrophe is not only a dark horizon — it is also an invitation to ask: what does it mean to be human? Is our existence simply functional, or does it carry value even in the face of collapse?
Thus, this waiting can become more than a trial. It can be a transformation — a path to deeper awareness, honesty, and connection. Here, philosophy does not serve as an escape from reality, but as a way of fully engaging with it — with fear, yes, but also with hope.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Tomas Lagūnavičius is a prominent multidisciplinary and mixed media artist based in Kaunas, Lithuania. His work spans both visual and performing arts, reflecting a dynamic and experimental approach. Over the course of his career, he has presented more than 40 solo exhibitions and over 50 performances, demonstrating his versatility and creative range. Lagūnavičius has earned international recognition through participation in notable events such as the 13th Florence Biennale in Italy (2021) and the Earth Art Exhibition Balance in Vilnius (2021). His recent work was showcased at the 15th annual Abstracts exhibition in the United States, where he was awarded 5th place. He has repeatedly been named a laureate in international art competitions. His work has received 1st and 5th place awards at The Spring Countdown Show (Toronto, Canada), 2nd place in the Animal Kingdom exhibition by Fusion Art (Santa Fe, New Mexico), 3rd place in the virtual exhibition Light of Love (Beijing, China), and a Platinum Award in the Abstracts exhibition by J. Mane Gallery (New Jersey, USA). His performance Dead Soldier’s Dance has been featured at the Crude Saturdays festival in Brussels (Belgium) and the Contemporary Venice festival in Venice (Italy).
Lagūnavičius regularly exhibits his paintings internationally in galleries such as Boomer Gallery (London, UK), Artly Mix Gallery (São Paulo, Brazil), Artio Gallery (Toronto, Canada), and Collect Art Gallery (Tbilisi, Georgia), among others.
He is an active member of several international art associations, including the Association for Visual Arts (AVA), the International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM), the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), the International Association of Visual Artists (IAVA), the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA), the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), the Association for Latin American Art (ALAA), the Visual Artists Association (VAA), and the Visual Arts Network of South Africa (VANSA).
Exhibition Dates
June 30 — July 14, 2025
Location:
Sandėlių g. 7, Kaunas | 2nd floor
Website: