Being an Artist in Latvia: Insights from Ieva Saulīte and Līga Spunde

Being an Artist in Latvia

Ieva Saulīte: What does it mean to be a Latvian artist?

Līga Spunde: This is a great question to start with. Being an artist in Latvia means a lot to me. It brings many opportunities, such as showcasing Latvia’s name around the world and introducing foreign influences back home. It’s vital to exchange ideas, which has its pros and cons. In larger countries, competition is fierce among many artists, but in Latvia, as a smaller community, we can implement broader ideas more easily.

The Role of an Artist

An artist plays a significant role in society, just like in other countries. We communicate various themes to the public, often addressing issues that are uncomfortable to discuss. Art isn’t just about beauty; it serves as a tool to highlight significant topics.

Personal Journey in Art

My journey in art started with a strong interest in photography at about 13 or 14 years old. I loved black and white analog photography and aimed to study it at Jāņa Rozentāla Rīgas mākslas vidusskola. To enter, I had to focus on academic drawing, painting, and composition. Although it was challenging, I eventually succeeded. Upon finishing, I became more interested in multimedia and installations, leading me to the Latvian Art Academy to study visual communication.

Impact of Early Cultural Events

An early cultural event that influenced me was seeing “Ostin’s on the Beach,” a performance that drew me deeply and changed how I viewed contemporary art. Additionally, my interest in alternative music, such as hardcore and punk, shaped my perspective and creativity during the 2000s.

Reflections on Music

I chose to feature the song “Jūsu draudzene tiecas pēc jums, taču izjūt arī bailes” by Biezoknis as a nod to friends I haven’t seen much recently. Biezoknis originated during my time in school with friends, and the experience taught me the importance of experimentation in creativity.

Artistic Style

My artistic practice primarily involves installation art, although I use various media. Recently, I’ve focused on digital mediums, discovering how to exhibit digital content in tangible spaces. My work often incorporates themes from the digital realm and storytelling, transitioning from personal narratives to larger societal topics.

The humor and vibrant colors in my works are indeed unusual in the context of Latvian art. I enjoy creating narratives and using found materials to express various themes.

Exploring Human Themes

My projects often touch on universal human themes. For instance, my recent work discussed our feelings towards an uncertain future, stimulated by recent global events, including the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. My ongoing project features six characters, each representing different viewpoints on the future.

Aesthetic Influence

I realize that my digital drawing style has unintentionally become my signature aesthetic, using Photoshop and 3D effects to create an illusion of depth. Collaborating with other artists, especially seasoned 3D professionals, enhances my work. Physical elements in my installations sometimes involve handcrafting alongside my digital designs.

Workshop and Creation Process

I spend limited time in my workshop, often using it for quickly executing projects. Most of my creative thinking occurs outside this space, in cafes or during note-taking sessions. When I start hands-on work, my space becomes lively and cluttered, reflecting the process of creation.

Current and Future Projects

I have participated in various exhibitions this year, including future plans for a solo show in August. I aim to continue developing my projects while maintaining a balance in my artistic evolution, so I welcome opportunities to showcase my work both locally and internationally.

Closing Thoughts

I wish for all things to flow easily for everyone.