CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE
Silvija Šmidkena, Leons Lukšo (Latvia)
The exhibition invites the viewer into the shared creative world of Silvija Šmidkena (1935–2024) and Leons Lukšo (1930–1984) – two leading figures in Latvian ceramics, partners in art and life. This showcase illuminates the power of art to foster dialogue, as embodied in the collaborative endeavours of these two creators. While each maintained a distinctive artistic style and expressive sensibility, their shared creative vision found a harmonious convergence in form, content, and thematic resonance.
Silvija Šmidkena, born in Rīga in 1935, completed her studies at the Ceramics Department of the Rīga Secondary School of Applied Arts in 1954 and subsequently graduated from the Latvian State Academy of Art in 1960. The same year, she was admitted to the Latvian Artists Union, where she played a significant role in the Union’s board, particularly as a leading figure in its ceramics section. A dedicated artist and scholar, Šmidkena organised numerous solo exhibitions, participated in international ceramic symposiums, and contributed extensively to scholarly publications in her field.
Leons Lukšo was also born in Rīga in 1930. He completed his studies in 1950 at the Decorative Painting Department of the Rīga Secondary School of Applied Arts before pursuing further education at the Ceramics Department of the Latvian State Academy of Art, from which he graduated in 1956. Following his graduation, Lukšo worked at the legendary ceramic studio in Ķīpsala and, in 1960, was admitted to the Artists Union.
From 1965 until 1984, Šmidkena and Lukšo worked and exhibited together. Their artistic partnership was celebrated in exhibitions across Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Poland, Germany, Japan, France, and Italy, earning them numerous accolades for their contributions to the field.
In the couple’s creative interchange, Šmidkena’s sensitivity to nature and pursuit of emotional depth blends seamlessly with Lukšo’s minimalist approach to structured geometric form to produce striking artworks that emphasise the intricate dynamic between the artist and the viewer. With that, the pieces invite reflection on humanity’s connection to its surroundings and the ability of art to broaden our perspectives.
Showcasing works from the collection of the Latvian National Museum of Art, the exhibition is on view at the Rothko Museum’s Martinsons House.
Exhibition duration: 07.03.2025–11.05.2025
Publicity image: Silvija Šmidkena & Leons Lukšo. From the “Constructive Shapes” series. H – 29 cm (detail). Clay, glaze. 1973.
