Rotko muzejs: Pavasaris un emocionāla māksla
Despite the lingering chill of February and snowfall, a sense of spring has arrived in Daugavpils, Latvia, with the opening of a new exhibition season at the Rotko Museum. Six distinct, yet interconnected, exhibitions are now on display, showcasing the work of artists from Italy, Finland, and Latvia, focusing on feeling rather than the time of year.
A Season Focused on Light and Shadow
Rotko Museum Director Māris Čačka explained that the new season is intentionally designed to address what has been missing during the darker winter months: “The overall story at the Rotko Museum this spring is about light – about its presence, airiness, fragility, and sensuality.” However, he also noted that, “this light, just like in life, is sometimes overshadowed by both good and not-so-good shadows and dark sides that penetrate deeply and disrupt the flow of thought.”
International Artists Converge
The exhibitions feature a diverse range of artistic expression. Gregorio Bota, an artist born in Naples, Italy, is the first Italian artist to have a solo exhibition, “Painting Leads Home,” at the Rotko Museum. Bota’s work has been influenced by the legacy of Mark Rothko, as he stated, “I really like Rothko’s saying: less is more and silence is so precise.”
Also featured is Finnish artist Rozmarija Torpo, whose exhibition “Strange Light” explores the delicate states of twilight, allowing her paintings to extend into the space and vibrate with light. Representing Latvia is Jūlija Verbicka-Vasīļjeva, a Daugavpils-based artist, with her photo series “Habitus.” This series is described as a documented and emotional story about the boundary between a person’s external and internal world. Verbicka-Vasīļjeva explained, “For example, here we see a girl in such a family. She tries to be good so that she gets good grades, because her parents think that is a good future. But sometimes, nowadays, girls’ choices are different – why study well if you can earn money a little differently?”
Latgale and Remembrance
The annual competition exhibition of artists from the Latgale region focuses on the theme of “Borderland,” showcasing the work of 64 artists connected to Latgale through residence, education, work, or inspiration. Among them is Agra Ritina from Rēzekne, who stated, “In the painting, what is on the left, there I also emotionally show our neighbor who is currently threatening us. And what is in that dark color? I do not see depth, that depth is in such a plane where that future is not visible, not discernible. And in contrast to that painting, here on this side, I try to show that light, hope, freedom, that joy.”
Two additional projects serve as tributes to those who have passed. An exhibition by art collector Raivis Zabs, “To See,” presents contemporary art from a personal perspective, while ceramic artist Pēteris Martinsons’ exhibition, “Reflections,” showcases the impressive large-format works of the renowned master.
Cultural Minister Agnese Lāce attended the opening event, stating, “This seasonal exhibition opening is always a big event. I am glad that I can experience it today with others. I had the opportunity to view all the exhibitions in a slightly calmer atmosphere and at the same time both great diversity and this symbolism.” She further noted that, “Today, walking from room to room, it was possible to stimulate not only visual experience, but also actually all the senses.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of the Rotko Museum’s spring season?
The central theme is light – its presence, airiness, fragility, and sensuality, alongside the shadows that accompany it.
Which countries are represented in the exhibitions?
The exhibitions feature artists from Italy, Finland, and Latvia.
What is Jūlija Verbicka-Vasīļjeva’s “Habitus” series about?
It is a documented and emotional story about the boundary between a person’s external and internal world.
What kind of impact might experiencing art have on a visitor?