
Monika Lionaite
Monika Lionaite (born 1996), professionally known as LionM Art, is a contemporary mixed-media artist based in Stockholm, Sweden. As an Innovation Champion (CEO, Chief Innovator & Founder of Openhack 2020 Australia), she seamlessly merges Art with Technology, spearheading the global ArtHack movement since 2020, launching with the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian National University in Canberra and since then spreading across the globe. A highlight of her work will be showcased at Tonik, where a live art performance will merge with artificial intelligence to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Lionaite, a Swedish-Lithuanian artist, is celebrated for her vibrant and emotionally evocative abstract expressionist works, encompassing both painting and photography. Her art draws from a rich tapestry of music, personal experiences, and emotions, with a particular focus on the therapeutic power of art in mental health and its role in fostering well-being in the Future Workplaces. Her creative process is profoundly introspective, reflecting her own evolution through the complexities of life and its ongoing transformations.
Having established herself in Stockholm, Lionaite has exhibited her works at numerous prestigious venues, including her 2023 solo exhibition "The Way You Feel" at the Ericsson Global HQ in Stockholm. This exhibition evolved into an ongoing 2023-2025 traveling display "Seeking Freedom," exploring the concepts of liberty and peacebuilding. The exhibition, featuring an ever-evolving selection of artworks, has been presented at various international venues, including the City Hall of Brienne-Le-Château in France, the City Municipality Hall of Považská Bystrica in Slovakia, the Castle of Taurage Museum - Professional Art Gallery and the Rusne City Library in Lithuania, and the Gdańsk City Council in Poland. Her paintings are distinguished by a dynamic interplay of colors and textures, inviting viewers to delve into the complex layers of human emotion and experience.
While she is primarily known for her bold abstract paintings, Lionaite’s photography also reveals her deep engagement with human emotion and the natural world. Her photographic work, which she presented in solo exhibitions such as "Searches," "Searches II," and "Flight" in Sweden (at Stockholm University) and Lithuania (Taurage Castle), captures the intimate dance between light, color, and form. Drawing inspiration from both her surroundings and personal reflections, her images evoke a sense of calm and introspection, encouraging viewers to discover beauty in the simplicity of everyday moments. Through her lens, Lionaite highlights the profound connections between individuals and their environments.
Whether through her paintings or photographs, Lionaite’s art offers a contemplative exploration of the human condition, emphasizing authenticity, emotional depth, and resonance. Her works have been featured in international competitions, exhibitions, publications, and charity fundraisers including Rotary International, and are housed in the collections of private collectors, diplomatic institutions, and galleries around the world including Denmark (Copenhagen), Norway(Oslo), Finland(Helsinki), Latvia, Lithuania Australia and United States (Boston and Chicago).
In addition to her visual artistry, Lionaite actively engages in live art performances. Notably, her "My Summer Nights Jazz" series whick were first performed in Chicago, United States, in 2024 combines real-time painting with music, creating immersive and transformative experiences for her audiences. Sustainability is another core theme in her practice, as she often incorporates live flowers into her paintings and repurposes vintage surfaces, giving new life to forgotten objects. Lionaite's work continues to connect with diverse audiences, offering a space for reflection and universal communication through the transformative language of art.