From 15 February to 15 April, 2018
Riga Porcelain Museum
“It was my conscience that commissioned this exhibition. The Fate compels me to record light on the shards of my experiences. The brush kisses the white surface and unruly line knots herself in pleasing loops and twists; dense colourful pigments bloom in the cross-section of emotions; and, as ever, the raised texture throws a surprise,” tells the artist, Helga Ingeborga Melnbārde, talking about her new solo exhibition The Reason to Be. “The 'spices' that spur my creativity remain the same – music, poetry, light,” the master of exquisite pen-work reveal her sources of inspiration, and skilfully conjures soulful abstract landscapes on the porcelain surface. She draws her ideas from the words of St. Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa, as well as the works of Swedish poet Tomas Tranströmer. Music and theatre feed her spiritually.
Helga Ingeborga Melnbārde's style in porcelain painting is expressive and colourful. She loves to experiment with different techniques and combinations that some would deem impossible. The exhibition includes the artist's latest works from past few years as well as a selection of painted plates from earlier periods.
Along with prolific creative work Helga Ingeborga Melnbārde has accumulated many years of teaching experience. She is an associate professor of the University of Latvia and, since 1975, the founder and manager of the folk applied art studio “Vāpe”, operating under the wing of theFaculty of Education, Psychology and Art of the University of Latvia. As artist, she regularly participates in exhibitions and workshops.