“Lituanistika”, International Research Database
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The United Lithuanian relief fund of America (1944-2008) - longtime philanthropy: sources of funds and aided groups.
No full textMarch 25, 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Lithuanian Relief Fund of America (Lith. Bendrasis Amerikos lietuvių šalpos fondas, BALF) as a united relief organization of patriotic Lithuanians in the United States. The Fund goes down in the history of Lithuania as the largest and longtime philanthropic organization of the Lithuanian diaspora that provided relief for Lithuanians in trouble all over the world. The author of the article analyzes the history of this organization and its significance
Publishing trends of informal Lithuanian youth publications - Fanzines - at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century
No full textStraipsnyje analizuojami iki šiol platesnio tyrėjų dėmesio nesulaukę Lietuvos jaunimo subkultūrinių grupių leidiniai – fanzinai (zinai). Popieriniai fanzinai pradėti kurti XX a. pabaigoje ir išpopuliarėjo XX a. 10 dešimtmetyje plintant Vakarų kultūros idėjoms, keičiantis Lietuvos politinei, sociokultūrinei aplinkai, technologinėms kopijavimo ir dauginimo galimybėms. Straipsnyje, pasitelkus Skaitmeninio Lietuvos jaunimo kultūros archyvo „Lietuvos zinų kolekcijos“ ir papildomai surinktų šaltinių išteklius, analizuojamos fanzinų kūrimo ir leidybos tendencijos. Lyginant atskiroms subkultūrinėms grupėms priskirtų fanzinų leidybos panašumus ir skirtumus, siekiama suprasti šių leidinių kūrimo kultūrinį kontekstą, santykį su skaitytojais, fanzinų kūrėjų leidybos galimybes. Tyrimui taikoma fanzinų aprašomųjų metaduomenų analizės ir sisteminimo, etnografinio tyrimo metodai (tikslinis pokalbis, klausimynas, kokybiniai interviu su fanzinų autoriais, leidėjais, kolekcininkais). Tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad Lietuvoje daugiausiai XX a. 10 dešimtmetyje metalo muzikos fanzinų autoriai, skirtingai nei pankai ir fantastikos mėgėjai, kūrė daugiau anglų kalba parašytų leidinių. Metalo muzikos fanzinai pasižymėjo didesne apimtimi. Fantastikos mėgėjų leidiniai nuo metalistams ir pankams priskirtų fanzinų skyrėsi didesniu tęstinių leidinių numerių skaičiumi ir mažesniu vienkartinių leidinių skaičiumi. Su pankų ideologija siejamų fanzinų autoriai daugiausia rinkosi leidinius dauginti savarankiškai kopijavimo aparatu. Metalo muzikos ir fantastikos fanzinų kūrėjai dažniau naudojosi profesionalių spaustuvių paslaugomis. Fanzinuose vartojama kalba, jos stilius padėjo formuoti artimą ryšį su skaitytojais, atskleidė subkultūrinių grupių tapatumo bruožus, padėjo ypač metalo muzikos fanzinų autoriams įsilieti į tarptautinį fanzinų kultūros kontekstą. Siekdami savarankiškumo ir individualumo, fanzinų kūrėjai nepaisė profesionalios leidybos standartų. Fanzinų leidyba priklausė nuo individualaus pasirinkimo, motyvacijos ir kūrybiškumo, skaitytojų susidomėjimo ir technologinių (leidinių dauginimo, maketavimo) galimybių. Lietuvoje kurti fanzinai tapo viena pagrindine alternatyvaus jaunimo bendravimo, idėjų sklaidos, kūrybinės laisvės ir saviraiškos forma. Reikšminiai žodžiai: fanzinai, zinai, Lietuvos jaunimas, subkultūra, metalistai, pankai, fantastai, dešimtasis dešimtmetis, neprofesionali spauda, meta duomenys.This article analyzes Lithuanian youth subcultural group publications – fanzines (zines) – which have not yet received broader attention from researchers. Paper fanzines started to be created at the end of the 20th century and became popular in the 1990s, spreading Western culture ideas and changing the political, and socio-cultural environment in Lithuania along with technological copying and reproduction possibilities. Using resources from Lithuania’s Youth Culture Digital Archive “Lithuanian Zine Collection” and additionally collected sources, the article analyzes the trends in the creation and publishing of fanzines. By comparing the publishing similarities and differences of fanzines attributed to different subcultural groups, the aim is to understand the cultural context of these publications, their relationship with readers, and the publishing possibilities of fanzine creators. The study applies descriptive metadata analysis and systematization of fanzines, as well as ethnographic research methods (targeted interview, questionnaire, and qualitative interviews with fanzine authors, publishers, and collectors). The research results showed that in Lithuania, mainly in the 1990s, metal music fanzine authors, unlike punks and science fiction fans, created more publications written in English. Metal music fanzines were characterized by greater volume. Science fiction fans’ publications differed from those of metalheads and punks by a greater number of continuous issues and fewer one-time publications. Authors of fanzines associated with punk ideology mostly chose to independently reproduce publications using a copying machine, while creators of metal music and science fiction fanzines more often used professional printing services. The language used in fanzines and its style helped to form a close relationship with readers, revealed the identity traits of subcultural groups, and helped metal music fanzine authors to integrate into the international fanzine culture context. Seeking independence and individuality, fanzine creators disregarded professional publishing standards. Fanzine publishing depended on individual choice, motivation, creativity, reader interest, and technological possibilities (publication reproduction, layout). Fanzines created in Lithuania became one of the main forms of idea dissemination, creative freedom, and self-expression for alternative youth communication. Keywords: fanzines, zines, Lithuanian youth, subculture, metalheads, punks, science fiction fans, 1990s, non-professional press, metadata
Attitudinal loyalty towards online stores between loyal and disloyal clients: differences across four countries
No full textThe concept of loyalty has remained a central theme in business for over 50 years. This concept has gained additional attention with the growth of online retailing due to rapidly changing retail environments. Numerous studies have focused on the antecedents of online store loyalty; however, unlike previous works, the present study explores a conceptual perception of loyalty. This study provides insights into behavioral and attitudinal perspectives and concentrates on the importance of the affective dimension of attitudinal loyalty. Additionally, this study analyzes differences in attitudinal loyalty toward online stores between loyal and disloyal respondents. The study was based on a survey performed in four countries—the USA, China, Spain, and Lithuania. The results highlight the importance of the affective aspect of loyalty and differences in its evaluation among the surveyed countries. The findings reveal significant and stable differences in perception of the three dimensions of attitudinal loyalty between loyal and disloyal respondents; however, in contrast to expectations, the disloyal respondents exhibited very high levels of attitudinal loyalty. These findings contribute to better measurement and interpretation of loyalty for both scientific studies and business practitioners. Keywords: disloyalty, dimensions of attitudinal loyalty, affective loyalty, cross-culture, online retailing
Assessment of the influence of stakeholders in the development of Lithuanian airports
No full textAir transport is the only way to reach Lithuania from abroad in the short and medium term. Despite a well-developed road network in the country, connections to other European capitals are long and inconvenient. 2014 July. Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga airports were merged into one state-owned company, Lithuanian Airports (LTOU). Since then, the efficiency and overall profitability of LTOU operations have increased significantly. However, maintaining the airport’s current infrastructure is costly and needs upgrading and further investment. The company has repeatedly asked itself whether it can get more benefits by building one new Lithuanian airport or focusing on developing the existing three airports net. Stakeholders’ views and recommendations should be heard to make timely and appropriate decisions without a new airport’s technical and financial feasibility. An in-depth interview and secondary data analysis were selected for the empirical study. Thirteen employees of SE Lithuanian Airports and three of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania participated in the research. The following was used to analyse secondary data: SE Lithuanian Airport strategic plan, the material of strategic sessions, and a survey of the country’s population on the need for a new airport. The study found that stakeholders positively assess the long-term development projects of SE Lithuanian Airports, fully understanding the importance of airports and their contribution to the welfare of the state. Stakeholders can significantly impact results, so airport managers must consider whether they effectively involve stakeholders and, if not, how they can improve or encourage stakeholder involvement. Keywords: stakeholder involvement, influence, key stakeholders, airport development, airport development project
Lithuanian landscape photography in the era of the anthropocene: ideological and aesthetic aspects
No full textLietuvos gamtovaizdžio fotografijos archyvuose ir net kolektyvinės atminties rezervuaruose vyrauja romantizuota, sakralizuota, mitologizuota, universalizuota ir estetizuota vaizdinija. Rodos, net pasaulio pabaigos artėjimas negalėtų numalšinti fotografija reiškiamos topofilijos. Stebina fotografų pasyvus požiūris į gamtinės aplinkos kaitą, jos nykimą ir egzistencines grėsmes. Straipsnyje analizuojama XX a. antrosios pusės – XXI a. pirmosios pusės gamtinio kraštovaizdžio fotografija. Ieškoma priežasčių, kurios lėmė estetizuoto peizažo tradicijos dominavimą Lietuvos fotografijos mene sovietmečiu ir kodėl tai vyksta iki šiol, keliamas klausimas, ar kraštovaizdžio fotografija pajėgi reaguoti į antropoceno padarinius ir generuoti ekologinį sąmoningumą bei aktyvizmą. Fotografijų estetika analizuojama pasitelkus antropoceno vizualizavimo teorijas, ideologinis diskursas aptariamas aplinkosaugos teisės raidos ir ekologinės situacijos kontekste. Reikšminiai žodžiai: Lietuvos gamtovaizdžio fotografija, kraštovaizdis, peizažas, antropoceno vizualizavimas, estetizmas ir deestetizavimas, ekologija ir gamtos apsauga.This paper examines landscape photography from the latter half of the 20th century to the first half of the 21st century, focusing on the emergence of the aestheticized landscape tradition prevalent in Lithuanian photographic art. It also questions whether landscape photography has the capacity to respond to the challenges posed by the Anthropocene and foster ecological awareness and activism. The analysis of the photographs’ aesthetics is conducted within the framework of theories concerning the visualization of the Anthropocene, while the ideological discourse is contextualized within the development of environmental law and the ecological landscape. During the Soviet era, nature conservation efforts were primarily geared towards resource preservation and reproduction to meet consumer demands. Although Soviet ideologists advocated for addressing ecological issues at micro-level, through education and instilling a basic culture of environmental responsibility, the rapid development of industries, agriculture, and energy disregarded ecological sustainability principles. Photography, under strict control and censorship, was unable to openly address ecological crises. Furthermore, creators often lacked awareness and comprehension of the magnitude of the crisis. Following Lithuania’s independence, the nation’s environmental protection efforts integrated into international frameworks. However, agricultural renewal processes remain unaddressed, and preemptive measures to prevent environmental violations and tragedies have been lacking. Despite three decades of open discourse on ecological issues and widespread availability of information through various channels – including media and scientific research – society’s perception of nature has undergone significant transformation. Nevertheless, artists upholding the traditions of Lithuanian humanistic photography have largely sidestepped global trends in ecological activism. Instead, their archives predominantly feature imagery characterized by romanticization, sacralization, mythologization, universalization, and aestheticization. The distinction between the artistic strategies of modernist and postmodernist photography becomes evident in how nature is represented or omitted, and in the construction and actualization of environmental issues. Keywords: Lithuanian landscape photography, visualising the Anthropocene, aestheticism and de-aestheticizing, ecology and nature conservation
Migration and fashion: Lithuanian emigrant women and their daughters in France, 1940s–1970s
No full textStraipsnyje aptariami 1940–1970 m. Paryžiuje gyvenusių lietuvių likimai ir tai, kaip gyvenimas pasaulio mados sostinėje atsispindėjo jų aprangoje. Pristatomi keli skirtingi atvejai. Tai Paryžiuje gimusių, gyvenusių Lietuvoje, vėliau atgal į Paryžių grįžusių lietuvių (Angelės Masiulienės, Elenos Turauskienės) situacija. Antra – karo pabėgėlių šeimose augusių merginų ir moterų (Ugnės Karvelis, Živilės Bačkis) istorijos. Du atskiri atvejai – 1949 m. Paryžiuje lietuvių karo pabėgėlių šeimoje gimusi Caroline Nendrė Paliulis ir Elena Jankauskienė, Paryžiuje gyvenusi nuo 1905 m., kur persikėlė iš Rusijos bėgdama nuo neramumų. Visus aptartus atvejus vienija tai, kad skirtingomis aplinkybėmis Prancūzijos sostinėje atsidūrusios lietuvės čia gyveno 1940–1970 m. ir siekė pritapti prie vietinės aplinkos, perimdamos išvaizdos kriterijus ir aprangos stilių. Straipsnis remiasi dizaino krypties meno doktorantūros disertacijos „(Ne)surinkos kolekcijos paslaptys: kasdienybės refleksija, interpretacija ir kontekstai lietuvių moterų aprangoje XX a. 5–8 dešimtmečiais“ medžiaga (kūrybinės dalies vadovė prof. Eglė Ganda Bogdanienė, tiriamosios dalies vadovė prof. dr. (hp) Giedrė Jankevičiūtė, konsultantė prof. Laura Stasiulytė-Gudaitė). Reikšminiai žodžiai: apranga, mada, migracija, karo pabėgėlės, Lietuva, Prancūzija.The article, “Migration and Fashion: Lithuanian Emigrant Women and Their Daughters in France, 1940s–1970s,” is part of a larger research project based on the art dissertation titled “Secrets of the (Un)Collected Collection: Reflection, Interpretation, and Contexts of Daily Life in the Clothing of Lithuanian Women from the 1940s to the 1970s.” It serves as a comparative study alongside narratives of Lithuanian women’s clothing from the same period described in the thesis. The article offers insights into the lives and everyday clothing of six Lithuanian women who resided in France during the mid-20th century: Ugnė Karvelis (1935–2002), Živilė Bačkis (1938–2022), Elena Jankauskienė (1887–1979), Angela Masiulienė (1912–1974), Elena Turauskienė (1906–1986), and Caroline Nendrė Paliulis (born 1949). Its aim is to explore the evolution and cultural significance of the clothing of Lithuanian women who lived in France in from the 1940s to 1970s in the context of shifting political, economic, and cultural landscapes, to present the biographies of the above-mentioned women, as well as to compare the cultural situation of clothing in Lithuania and Paris in the given period. Drawing upon social culture theory, which posits that clothing reflects historical realities and social contexts, moral convictions and aesthetic tastes, the research compares the experiences and attire of six women from different generations with those of Lithuanian women residing in their homeland during the same period, as well as with the broader culture of clothing. The study is rooted in oral history and extends beyond the 1940s-1970s timeframe. The article is structured chronologically, with each section dedicated to one of the featured individuals, starting with the eldest, Elena Jankauskienė, and concluding with the youngest, Caroline Nendrė Paliulis. Keywords: clothing, fashion, migration, war refugees, Lithuania, France
Digital age of ceramics
No full textŠiame meniniame tyrime aprašomas keramikos kūrimas, naudojantis 3D molio spausdinimo ir skaitmeninėmis dekolių spausdinimo technologijomis. Aptariama šių technologijų istorija, apibūdinama, kaip jos veikia ir kokių pokyčių atneša į keramikų studijas skaitmenizuojant darbą ir spartinant kūrybinį procesą, atsisakant rankinio bei komandinio darbo. Aprašomi molio spausdintuvai, minimi instrumentai nėra naujausi technikos atradimai, tačiau vis dar nėra plačiai įvaldyti Lietuvos keramikų studijose. Darbe aptartos istorinės keramikos kūrinių dauginimo prielaidos ir santykis su fabrikų produkcija. Pateikiami pasaulio ir vietos keramikų eksperimentai, atlikti naudojantis skirtingomis keramikos dauginimo technikomis. Kūrybinis darbas pradedamas skaitmeninių vazų projektavimu, projektai spausdinti 3D molio spausdintuvu, degti ir glazūruoti, galiausiai dekoruoti skaitmeniniu būdu sukurtais dekoliais. Darbas užtruko trumpiau nei dvi savaites. Procesas leido atrasti spausdinimo galimybes, neaprašytas darbo instrukcijose. Autoriaus atliktas eksperimentas – sujungti abi technikas viename kūrinyje – apibendrina skaitmeninės keramikos srityje išbandytus metodus. Reikšminiai žodžiai: keramika, dekoliai, 3D molio spausdinimas.This article discusses an artistic exploration using digital decals and 3D clay printing, while also examining the current capabilities of these technologies at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. The history, functionality, and transformative impact of these technologies on ceramic studios are addressed, particularly in terms of digitizing work processes and accelerating creativity, thereby altering traditional manual and collaborative approaches. The article overviews the historical context of ceramic reproduction techniques and their evolution alongside factory production methods. It showcases experiments conducted by both international and local ceramicists, highlighting various ceramic reproduction techniques. The division of labour in ceramics, prevalent even in pre-industrial times, has persisted. Each technological advancement, including the digitization of work and the availability of ready-to-use clay, diminishes manual labour or enhances its efficiency. Advanced technology enables ceramic artists to work more autonomously and swiftly. However, it is essential to recognize that working with the material remains integral; clay still requires preparation, shaping, and firing, whether in a factory setting or an artist’s studio. Between 1998 and 2008, significant changes occurred in Europe, leading to the closure of many ceramic factories. With the decline of industrial production in the ceramic industry, a certain antagonism between studio ceramicists and factory workers has dissipated. The traditional dichotomy between manual craftsmanship and factory production, as well as between personal artistic expression and standardized, impeccably crafted ceramics, has diminished in many European countries. Ceramic works are often subject to reproduction, both in terms of three-dimensional form and decorative elements. Repetitive ceramic pieces created by artists inevitably interact with mass-produced items. Experimental research was conducted using the Potter Bot Pro 10 clay printer. This device prints clay onto a moving base, which can cause the printed object to lose its shape or even detach from the printer due to shaking. When experimenting with faster printing speeds, particularly for tall and slender shapes, the printer’s movement could destabilize the piece. As a result, the work would begin to rotate, causing the vertical axis to disappear, and the printed layers would shift unpredictably. Despite these shifts, the work did not collapse but instead assumed a different form than originally intended. Pottery designs are crafted using Autodesk Fusion 360, while g-code is generated using Ultimaker Cura with the manufacturer’s recommended settings for the Potter Bot Pro 10 printer. The designs are printed on white clay mass TBF2, manufactured by Colorobbia, Italy, at 100% speed without altering other print settings. Two different shapes, each comprising 10 vases, were printed using this method. The printed objects were fired at a temperature of 1000°C. Subsequently, they were decorated with colourless CLA 51 glaze and fired again at a temperature of 1040°C. Decals were created using Microsoft Word, allowing for font selection, size adjustment, and image upload. The resulting image was edited using Photoshop and printed with a Ricoh SP C440DN printer. Decals were then fired at 800°C to fuse them onto the ceramic surface. The aim was to keep the decals schematic, emphasizing their factory origin. The entire design and printing process took approximately two days, while the three ceramic firings spanned six working days. Through this research, several conclusions were drawn: digital technologies significantly accelerate work processes in ceramics. The reproduction of ceramic works holds significance for clay artists, highlighting the relationship between new techniques and factory ceramics. The utilization of digital technologies meets the needs of contemporary ceramicists, allowing them to swiftly and effectively create, control, and decorate works from start to finish. Keywords: ceramics, decals, 3D ceramic printing
Wives, daughters and sisters: noble women in Medieval Lithuania (13th-15th centuries)
No full textViduramžių moterų istorija Lietuvoje – vis dar menkai pažinta tema. Ir taip yra dėl dvejopo ignoravimo. Viena vertus, ilgą laiką dominavusi tyrimų tradicija, pagrindinį vaidmenį skyrusi „didžiųjų vyrų istorijai“, moteris palikdavo studijų paraštėse. Ši tradicija reikšmingiau pradėjo keistis tik paskutiniais XX a. dešimtmečiais. Antra, tyrimų būklę nemažai lėmė ir tebelemia šaltinių situacija. Vietinės rašytinės tradicijos stoka iki krikšto, svetimšalių autorių interesai ir neretai menkas informuotumas lėmė, kad šaltiniuose dominuoja politiniai ir kariniai įvykiai, kurių pagrindiniai veikėjai yra valdovai ir jų aplinkos kilmingieji vyrai. Iš šono žvelgiantys kronikininkai priešiško krašto moteris stereotipiškai vaizdavo kaip „žindyves“, „verkiančias karių žmonas“ ar tiesiog karo grobį. Todėl pernelyg nestebina, kad iš visų pagoniškų laikų Lietuvos valdovų patikimai žinome tik Mindaugo antros ir abiejų Algirdo žmonų vardus. Jausdami šią spragą, kai kurioms valdovų žmonoms vardus „suteikė“ vėlesni kronikininkai, kaip antai Gedimino žmonai Jaunei ar Kęstučio Birutei. Dėl aktyvios politinės veiklos didžiojo kunigaikščio Gedimino istorija palyginti neblogai šaltinių nušviesta, tačiau jo žmonos egzistenciją liudija iš esmės tik gausių palikuonių gimimas. Visiškai nieko nežinome apie Gedimino brolio ir pirmtako Vytenio žmoną, taip pat jų abiejų motiną, kaip ir apie Treniotos ar Traidenio sutuoktines. Raktiniai žodžiai: diduomenė, dinastija, moterų istorija.The history of medieval women in Lithuania a little-known topic. This is due to two reasons. Firstly, the long-dominant research tradition, which has given the main role to the history of “great men”, has undoubtedly left women on the margins of studies. Secondly, the state of research has been, and continues to be, largely determined by the availability of the sources. Of all the rulers of Lithuania during the pagan period, only the names of Mindaugas’ wife and both of Algirdas’ wives are known with certainty. Sensing this gap, some of the rulers’ wives were “given” names by later chroniclers. The situation concerning the sources regarding the wives and daughters of the nobility is similar. For example, of the 26 most influential nobles of the time of Grand Duke Vytautas, in 14 cases, we do not know the name or origin of the wife. Nevertheless, the processing and compilation of the rather scattered material on the Lithuanian noble women allows us to draw some conclusions about the political and social system of the Lithuanian medieval state. Women played an important role in the world of the nobility. As wives, daughters, and sisters, they established and maintained ties between relatives, both at home and (in the case of rulers) abroad. Successful marriages often determined the trajectories of men’s careers, and sometimes even of individual families. However, they mostly remained in the silence of the sources and, thanks to the conjuncture of the sources, they appear before us first of all as pious foundresses, preservers of the memory of the family, and guardians of children. Keywords: nobility, dynasty, women’s history
Mikołaj Krzysztof "the Orphan" Radziwiłł’s and Albrycht Władysław Radziwiłł’s seven documents and letters from the end of 16th and the beginning of 17th centuries concerning tithes and other benefits for the catholic parish church in Čarnaučycy and St. Barbara Provostry in Brest
No full textThe present paper contains an editing of seven documents and letters concerning the tithes from Radziwiłł’s estates near Brest for the Catholic parish church in Čarnaŭčycy and St. Barbara provostry in Brest. Senders were two members of the Radziwiłł family: Mikołaj Krzysztof “The Orphan” and Albrycht Władysław and addresses parish priests and land-stewards. This documents are interesting sources of knowledge about relations between them and landlord’s activity in the field of solutions to the disputes about tithes. Keywords: tithes in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Catholic Church in Brest, Catholic Church in Čarnaŭčycy, Mikołaj Krzysztof “The Orphan” Radziwiłł, Albrycht Władysław Radziwiłł, relations between magnates and Catholic clergy in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Facing the defeat of Prussia - the actions of Lithuanian governorates at the turn of 1806-1807
No full textIn the autumn of 1806, in view of the defeat of Prussia in the clash with France and the approach of Napoleon’s army to the borders of Russia, the Russian authorities became concerned about the loyalty of their Polish subjects. The authorities of the Lithuanian governorates took preventive measures to preclude an uprising movement and preserve public peace. In particular, attempts were made to seal the border. More careful attention was paid to the movement of people, and care was taken to ensure that travellers did not bring anti-government writings into Russia. Intelligence activities were intensified to monitor the disposition of the population. Emperor Alexander I ordered that any insurrectionary uprising be vigorously suppressed by the harshest means, including the use of the army. At the same time, the authorities tried to avoid anything that could fuel popular discontent. By the Emperor’s decision, the use of ukases in the courts, which, in the opinion of the Lithuanian nobility, hindered the conduct of judicial proceedings, was stopped. Attempts were made to introduce strict discipline in military units to prevent abuse of the civilian population. A police force was put on alert to put suspicious people arriving from abroad under surveillance. Signals of contact between Lithuanian residents and the French army were investigated. Key words: “The first Polish war”, Lithuanian governorates, Security measures