Notes from Kecskemét
Pēteris Martinsons (1931–2013)
“Notes from Kecskemét” presents works by Pēteris Martinsons from the collection of the International Ceramic Studio in Kecskemét. Created between 1992 and 2003, these stylised architectural objects reveal the artist’s distinctive sculptural thinking, sensitivity to form and inventive handling of the material.
Travel was central to Martinsons’ creative practice. He attended symposiums and workshops around the world, was a visiting lecturer at several universities and an active member of the International Academy of Ceramics. The International Ceramic Studio in Kecskemét, Hungary, became a key destination in his nomadic career. From 1981 onwards, Martinsons regularly returned to the studio for residencies and symposiums, producing some of his finest works there. Today, its collection holds several dozen artworks by Martinsons dating from 1981 to 2013.
The International Ceramic Studio in Kecskemét is one of Europe’s leading centres for ceramic art. Founded in 1978 to foster artistic freedom and international exchange, it has become a lively creative crossroads for ceramic artists, designers and researchers from around the world.
In 2026, the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics and the Rothko Museum present an exhibition series at the Martinsons House gallery marking 95 years since the birth of Latvian ceramic artist Pēteris Martinsons. The project celebrates the diversity of his creative legacy through works from museum collections in Latvia and abroad, while highlighting the artist’s role in shaping contemporary ceramics in his country and beyond. “Notes from Kecskemét” is the third and final exhibition in the programme.
Curated by Valentīns Petjko and Aivars Baranovskis
Organised by the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics in collaboration with the Rothko Museum and the International Ceramic Studio in Kecskemét, Hungary
Supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation of Latvia and the Daugavpils City Council
11 September 2026 – 21 February 2027
Publicity image: Pēteris Martinsons, porcelain object (detail)
