International contemporary art platform24.12.1922–23.01.2019
Jonas Mekas
Jonas Mekas (1922–2019) was a Lithuanian-American poet, filmmaker, screenwriter, and art figure, recognized as a leader of the new American cinema and the godfather of New York avant-garde cinema.
Biography
Jonas Mekas was born on December 24, 1922, in Biržai, Lithuania. Throughout his life, he was connected with two countries—Lithuania and the United States—reflecting the author’s national and cultural identity. Mekas was known as a poet, filmmaker, screenwriter, art figure, publicist, cinematographer, and director. He played a significant role in the history of American cinema, being one of the leaders of the "new American cinema" and recognized as the "godfather of New York avant-garde cinema." His contribution was honored with the National Prize of Lithuania in the field of literature and art in 1995. Jonas Mekas passed away on January 23, 2019, in Brooklyn, USA.
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