Varanasi, India – Lithuanian artist and illustrator Aušra Kiudulaitė delivered a series of masterclasses at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), becoming the 113th international artist to participate in the university’s prestigious Artist-in-Residence programme.
The invitation was extended by BHU lecturer and artist Suresh K. Nair, under whose initiative the Lithuanian illustrator joined the campus community in Varanasi. During her residency, Kiudulaitė lived and worked at the university, engaging closely with students and faculty members of the Visual Arts Department.
As part of her programme, she conducted lectures and creative workshops focusing on visual literacy, collage, illustration, and visual storytelling. Sharing insights from her professional experience, Kiudulaitė introduced students to contemporary illustration practices and the evolving world of picture books. She emphasized improvisation as a core element of creativity, encouraging students to experiment and develop their own visual language.
In collaboration with Nair, Kiudulaitė also co-organized a joint exhibition titled “Confluence.” The exhibition showcased works by both artists, highlighting how creators from different cultural and geographical backgrounds often explore similar themes. The show underscored the idea that artistic expression transcends distance and cultural boundaries.
During her stay, Kiudulaitė was also invited to participate in the Banaras Literature Festival, offering her a broader platform to engage with India’s literary and artistic community.
The Art Masterclass project was funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture and the Visual Arts Department of Banaras Hindu University.
The residency stands as a testament to the growing cultural collaboration between Lithuania and India, particularly as both countries mark the People-to-People Connections Year in 2025–2026, celebrating deepening artistic and academic exchanges.