Kazys Varnelis (February 25, 1917, in Alsėdžiai[1] – October 29, 2010, in Vilnius[2]) was an abstract painter from Lithuania.
His distinctive painting style demonstrated optical and three-dimensional illusions based on geometric abstractions and minimal forms.
Born in Alsėdžiai in the Samogitia region to a father who was a religious wood sculptor and painter, Varnelis graduated from Institute of Fine Art in Kaunas, Lithuania in 1941.
[1] In a 1971 article in Canadian art magazine Artscanada Dutch-American art historian Jan van der Marck attributed abstract decorative quality of Varnelis works to the ornaments found on traditional Lithuanian crosses that his father used to make.
As his works evolved, Varnelis broke away from endless repetitions and square canvas, shaping his paintings according to the subject matter.
[11] In 1978 he moved to Villa Virginia in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, which he extensively restored and where he had a private gallery for his works and collections.
The museum also houses paintings, sculptures, Renaissance furniture, Oriental art, and works by Varnelis.