Rāpus: Izstāde bērniem Medicīnas vēstures muzejā | Diena

Riga, Latvia – A unique exhibition currently on display at the Pauls Stradins Museum of the History of Medicine encourages visitors to experience art – and life – from a different perspective: on their hands and knees. Ārpus rāpus (Beyond Crawling) is designed to prompt reflection on our relationship with the natural world, particularly in an age increasingly dominated by virtual experiences.

A Return to Sensory Exploration

The exhibition, open until February 1st, isn’t meant to be viewed traditionally. Curator and author Kristīne Liniņa designed it to be explored with a more intimate, tactile approach. This deliberate choice reflects a growing concern that reliance on digital technology can lead to a detachment from the physical world and a diminished use of our senses.

The Importance of “Green Awareness”

Liniņa explains that the exhibit aims to reawaken a “green awareness” – a connection to nature that sharpens our senses in ways digital devices cannot replicate. While acknowledging the benefits of technology, she points out that virtual flowers don’t have a scent, and digital bees don’t sting. The exhibition seeks to remind us of the richness and diversity of the natural world, a world that was more readily accessible to children before the prevalence of screens.

From a medical perspective, encouraging children to explore nature is seen as vital. Digital technologies contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle and can limit imagination, fostering a simplified view of the animal kingdom where creatures are often portrayed with human-like qualities. Understanding the true needs of animals requires recognizing that they inhabit entirely different worlds than our own.

Micro-Stories and Sensory Experiences

Ārpus rāpus is comprised of numerous “micro-stories” designed to mirror the non-linear way children naturally interact with their surroundings. One such story invites visitors to taste the intensely bitter flavor of the velvet worm, a fungus found on decaying wood, known for containing some of the most bitter natural substances in the world. It’s a deliberate attempt to engage the sense of taste and highlight the differences in sensory perception between children and adults.

The exhibition culminates in a concert, presented on three screens, featuring musicians playing sounds inspired by dragonflies, mosquitoes, and odas, created by videomaker Katrīna Neiburga and composer Anna Ķirse. The exhibit is designed for children aged six to twelve, but offers intellectual and aesthetic depth for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the Ārpus rāpus exhibition?

The main goal is to reawaken children’s interest in nature, which has been diminished by increased time spent in virtual environments, by highlighting the diversity and uniqueness of the natural world.

What is the significance of experiencing the exhibition while crawling or bending low?

The exhibition is designed to be experienced from a lower perspective to encourage a more intimate and tactile engagement with the exhibits, mirroring how children naturally explore their surroundings.

What is the story of the sparrow and the dominoes meant to illustrate?

The story of the sparrow that disrupted a domino record attempt raises the question of what holds more value: human entertainment or the life of a bird.

As we become increasingly immersed in digital worlds, how can we ensure we maintain a meaningful connection to the physical world around us?