Archive

CHAGALL ONE AND TWO

            It is worth mentioning that exhibitions representing a dialogue of different artists that includes their existence in different environments as well as living in different periods attract considerable attention of culture consumers. The dialogue, like a new Enlightenment, allows us to see from a new perspective things that we consider we have experienced and know very well. We have this feeling of novelty of perception and space-time dimension at the painting exhibition of Marc Chagall (1887–1985) and Lithuanian artist Jonas Daniliauskas (b. 1950) Chagall One and Two.

X: PA/LIKIMAS (LEGACY/DESTINY)

X: PA/LIKIMAS is a project inviting artists to take an artistic look at the history of the centenary of Lithuanian independence – to explore its development and underline the key moments of this period, that is, to identify and highlight the historical events, dates and achievements of Lithuania, which constitute our legacy and by their significance today determine our destiny – to be free and independent.

MARUTA RAUDE

MAXIMALISM FOREVER Maruta Raude’s solo exhibition ALWAYS ALL OUT is a retrospective with select items from the artist’s previous shows “…and then they went out to the river…”, “Perfect place for you”, “First day or Monday”, “Four mermaids in a red sea” and “Totems” with the addition of assorted pieces she created during the international ceramic art symposium “Ceramic Laboratory” in Daugavpils.

Sandra Krastiņa’s Screen

Ever since the Renaissance, painters have used the optical phenomenon of camera obscura – the magical power of a beam of light to conjure up on a rectangular screen of white fabric or paper a reversed and inverted yet precise representation of a primary form – a fragment of reality either observed in nature or deliberately staged. A uniformly lighted image or text on a computer screen gives the impression of a neutral, objective message. Conversely, in a painting we see details of an event, highlighted or left in the shadows by the artist, an author’s version of a narrative, interpretations emotionally coloured by the artist’s personality.

Ilona Linarte-Ruža, Dace Pudāne

Similar codes They are alike in so many ways – in their features, attitudes, values, interaction patterns, perceptions… This line of attributes could be continued when talking about two different yet also similar persons in Latvian textile art and art education – llona Linarte-Ruža and Dace Pudāne. Twin sisters Ilona and Dace were born on 22 August 1962 in the family of Silva Veronika Linarte and Leonards Linarts. The girls built their futures around the core values that were passed on to them by their parents, applying them to social interactions with others and to a life spent in harmony with oneself. Both sisters have graduated from the Textile Department of the Art Academy of Latvia, exhibit widely and work as art educators, contributing to the continuity of artistic processes.

INDEPENDENCE

IN THE ART OF LATVIAN-BORN SHAMIR BROTHERS A selection of artwork by the Shamir (Sheftelowitz) brothers, who were natives of Liepāja, gives the public a chance to see a unique collection, which is deeply Israelite but also profoundly rooted in the Latvian soil. This exhibition, which runs under the topic of “independence”, not only establishes a biographic and thematic connection between Israel and Latvia, but also serves as an exceptional example of the graphic design of its time. The Daugavpils exhibition is organised by the Embassy of Israel to Latvia in cooperation with Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre. Curator and editor of the exhibition is Yoram E. Shamir. The exhibition was produced with significant support from the Keren Hayesod Fund and used as sources select materials from the Israel State Archives, Zionist Central Archives, Academic Library of the University of Latvia, Israel Museum and private collections.

Ceramic laboratory

Exhibition of artworks of participants of 6th International Ceramic Art Symposium In Daugavpils, organisation of international ceramic art symposia has fast become a tradition. This year, the ceramic art symposium CERAMIC LABORATORY is held for the sixth time and brings together 14 ceramic artists from 9 countries. The symposium is organised by Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics in cooperation with Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre as a meeting point for ceramic artists and enthusiasts who come to exchange ideas and share experiences. As such, it shapes Daugavpils into a solid platform of ceramic art where artists can stay and develop, creating a space that exhibits world-class ceramic art of premium quality.

DAINIS PUNDURS

THE FORTRESS EXHIBITION   The fortress is a peculiar construction. At present, it lives the life of an exhibition space, so far-removed from its intended function. It is a particular challenge – to exhibit within these walls, built with such dour determination, my ceramic creations, some of which are as fragile as I have ever made. In a sense, “The Fortress Exhibition” is an experiment and a new version of my ceramics, because, originally, they were created to be exhibited elsewhere. As I make ceramic objects, I take into account the specifics of the space where they will be exhibited. Often I already know the intended exhibition space whose idiosyncrasies, through my conscious planning, ultimately reinforce the visual impact of the artefacts.

2ND LATVIA INTERNATIONAL CERAMICS BIENNALE

MARTINSONS AWARD – international juried ceramics exhibition This year, Latvia is hosting its second international ceramics biennale. Through a series of large public events, it will tell a polyphonic story of contemporary ceramics in Latvia and give a glimpse into ceramic tendencies and developments on the global stage. To celebrate the centenary of statehood in the three Baltic states, the biennale programme will feature exhibitions of contemporary ceramics from neighbouring Lithuania and Estonia. By established tradition, a group show of Latvian contemporary ceramics will be held along with a range of individual projects that will talk about remarkable representatives of Latvian and international ceramic art.

100 in Latvian art

What is happening in Latvian art of today? This question is asked by artists, contemplated by curators, frowned upon or smiled at by gallery owners and deliberated in the writings of art theorists. What is an artist in Latvia? A grand master or a rising star in the artistic ranks, already shining bright and enjoying both local and international acclaim and recognition? In spite of numerous changes and incidents, and tributes paid to space and time, Latvian art has endured, and Latvian artists have never ceased to create. At any time, art gives a stark view of society and the space that it inhabits. The artist forges a connection with the outside world, which affects and shapes them in return.