The Latvian cultural landscape is buzzing with new releases and exhibitions as February draws to a close. From the shoegaze sounds of Tribes of the City to a poignant memorial exhibition for Aija Zariņa and thought-provoking art installations, there’s a diverse range of offerings for audiences this week.
Tribes of the City’s “Evidence of Embrace” – A Return to Form
After a seven-year hiatus, Latvian shoegaze pioneers Tribes of the City have returned with their new studio album, “Evidence of Embrace.” The band, known for their melodic yet saturated sound, continues to distinguish themselves from their contemporaries. The album represents a continuation of their established style, building upon the foundation laid by their critically acclaimed previous work, “Rust and Gold,” which earned both the “Austras balva” and the “Mikrofons” award in the alternative music album category.
“Evidence of Embrace” sees the band experimenting with fresh sounds while maintaining the core elements that define their signature style. The album was released on , alongside a cassette version, and is also available on streaming platforms. Fans will have the opportunity to experience the new material live, with performances scheduled for at the Angārs Concert Hall in Riga and at the Fontaine Palace rock club in Liepāja. These concerts promise a full immersion into the band’s evolving sonic world, offering a space for both longtime fans and newcomers to connect through music.
Laura Gundara’s “Zāģē nost!” – A Timely and Engaging Novel
Latvian author Laura Gundara’s latest novel, “Zāģē nost!” (translated as “Saw Down!”), published by Dienas Grāmata, is being lauded as a captivating read. The book, featuring stylish cover design by Katrīna Vasiļevska, offers a contemporary reflection on the complex and unfortunately still relevant dynamics with neighboring countries. Described as a literary kaleidoscope, the novel is expected to appeal to readers who enjoy both well-crafted prose and dynamic storytelling.
The narrative centers around a theater directing student whose pursuit of truth leads him to delve into the past, uncovering hidden layers and confronting long-held demons. Gundara’s writing style is praised for its ability to immediately engage the reader, creating a compelling and immersive experience. The author will be discussing the book on LTV’s “Kultūrdeva” program on .
Artistic Explorations at the Riga Contemporary Art Space
The Riga Contemporary Art Space in Old Riga is hosting a series of exhibitions showcasing the work of Gints Gabrāns and Andris Breže. Gabrāns’s exhibition, “Algoritmu kopienas” (Algorithm Communities), continues his exploration of artificial intelligence, presenting both interactive screen transformations and tangible environmental objects. These works are connected to the artist’s earlier creations featured in the mobile application “SAN,” where similar visual elements were previously accessible through geolocation.
Complementing Gabrāns’s digital explorations, Andris Breže presents a re-imagining of his 1994 installation “Aploki” (Circles). Originally exhibited at the Arsenāla exhibition hall, the installation features large saws and wooden rings, now augmented with two new pieces: “Miesa” (Flesh) and “Gars” (Spirit). Breže describes the installation as retaining the essence of the original work, even its scent, evoking a sense of continuity and transformation. The exhibition, part of the “Milži” (Giants) cycle, is designed to be experienced in person, offering a tactile and immersive encounter with the artist’s vision.
These exhibitions collectively demonstrate the vibrancy and diversity of the Latvian art scene, offering audiences opportunities to engage with contemporary themes and artistic practices. From the sonic landscapes of Tribes of the City to the literary depths of Laura Gundara and the visual explorations of Gabrāns and Breže, the Latvian cultural calendar is rich with compelling experiences.
