An Ode to Subtlety with Lolita Pelegrime
This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Lolita Pelegrime, an artist whose works capture the intersection of surrealism and beauty, creating a space that feels deeply human.
Lolita Pelegrime is a talented artist who was born in Lithuania but has lived in Copenhagen since 2012. Drawing inspiration from the strong women in her life, she infuses their stories and experiences into her artwork, resulting in pieces that cut through with deep emotion. With a degree from the Art Academy of Vilnius and earlier training in ceramics at the Kaunas School of Applied Arts, Lolita’s artistic journey has been both rich and diverse. Her works have been displayed in exhibitions throughout Denmark, Lithuania, and Germany, garnering attention from art enthusiasts across the globe.
In her latest body of work, Lolita reflects on the vibrant tapestry of life in Copenhagen, capturing everyday encounters and transforming them into visual narratives that speak to both local and international audiences. I know I personally have an affinity for art that speaks to our everyday occurrences.
Below is one of the first paintings we saw of Lolita’s. It’s called La Fleur.
A portrayal of tranquility. The warmth of the subject is beautifully complemented by soft yellow and white tones. “The unique interplay of light and shadow, paired with thick brush strokes, gives depth and rich texture to the central figure.”* This piece creates space for the viewer to linger and appreciate the subtle grace found in quiet moments. It draws you in, and you find yourself wondering—who is she? Where is she going and what is holding her gaze? And how did she achieve that perfect messy bun look? As it seems to be with many portraits, the viewer is invited into the world of the subject, causing one to spend a few more moments with it.
Many are immediately drawn to the familiarity of Lolita’s subjects. The central figures of her paintings seem both known and mysterious, like brief memories or faces you’ve passed on the street. With Lolita’s works, it feels natural to have portraits of other people in your home—because it’s almost as if you’ve met these individuals before.
After having the opportunity to speak with Lolita and interview her, it became even clearer that her work is as thoughtful as it appears. Her ability to create a connection between the viewer and her subjects is what makes her art special and interesting.
Above is The Man I Met In A Bar. Here, Lolita captures “the energy and fleeting nature of everyday encounters.” The artwork features a singular figure in white, rendered with dynamic oil paint layers that evoke movement and life. Through her brushwork, she once again conveys the beauty of moments that often go unnoticed. This piece encourages reflection on the stories and connections that arise in unexpected places, reminding us that every encounter has the potential to be profound.
What would you like people to know when they first come across your artworks?
At first, I hope people approach my paintings with a sense of discovery and wonder, without any prior knowledge or expectations. I probably would tell them about my background in ceramics and my obsession with textures. After that, I would share where my inspirations come from: the lively streets and cozy, smoky bars of Copenhagen, the tranquil beauty of nature that I escape to, and the unique personalities of my friends and their eclectic wardrobes.
When thinking about where you are in your journey, are you most excited about and what keeps you inspired for the future?
When I reflect on my journey in this competitive art world, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction with what I've achieved so far. However, my greatest passion has always been the act of painting itself—the process is where I find true fulfillment. Over the years, I've constantly evolved and experimented with techniques and styles, which has been incredibly rewarding. It's fascinating to see how my skills and artistic vision have developed over time, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and discovery.
If you could go to dinner with any artist, who would it be and why?
If I could go to dinner with any artist, I would choose two Swedish women painters: Mamma Andersson and Sara-Vide Ericson. While there are so many incredible artists to choose from, these contemporary painters resonate with me deeply, both of them are absolutely fascinating contemporary artists. I imagine it would be an incredible experience to sit in their presence, share a delicious meal at a cozy restaurant, enjoy a few bottles of wine, and listen to their stories. Their insights and perspectives on art and life would be invaluable, and I would cherish the opportunity to engage with them in such an intimate setting.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given?
The best piece of advice I've received is to cherish the process and not fixate on the end goal.
What is one thing you wish you'd be asked in an interview?
If you could time-travel to visit any artist in history during the creation of their masterpiece, who would it be and why?
What music are you listening to these days?
Lately, I've been enjoying a lot of jazz and dance electronics—it's the perfect Copenhagen summer music!