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NEWS
LEONARDO DA VINCI AND THE CREATIVE IMAGE IN CONTEMPORARY APPLIED ARTSIn Riga St. Peters Church until May 13
Whether the ideas of this Renaissance genius are still current and whether contemporary artists are able to carry out the braves conception using traditional forms as well as innovative solutions in form and materials, has been proved by the exhibition of nearly 30 artists from Russia, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
During this international project the ideas of Leonardo da Vinci has been transformed to contemporary concepts, translated into specific materials, even modernised and modified. Surprisingly this project reveals that history is not benumbed and stiff moment in past, but rather refers to continuous movement.This exhibition has a history of its own. In 2008 it was on display at the royal Château Clos-Luce in Amboise, Loire valley. In the place where, as a guest of King Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci had spent the final years of his life. On May, 2010 the viewing of these works was repeated there again. Then the decision was made to organise an internationally travelling exhibition. Its journey begun in the Russian National Museum Царицыно in Moscow on July, 2010, later it was displayed in the Amber Museum in Kaliningrad on July, 2010. Finally this year the honour of hosting internationally well recognised art exhibition Leonardo da Vinci and the Creative Image in Contemporary Applied Arts has been granted to Latvia.All artists, creative associations, guilds, galleries and art schools from every country had been welcomed to take a part in this exhibition. Participates were selected by competitive tender. There were no restrictions on materials and techniques used to create applied art objects. The combining guideline was innovation. The works of painters, engravers, jewellers, sculptors, textile designers, fashion designers, blacksmiths and many other applied art professionals was judged by proficient jury, which was composed of acknowledged experts – artists, art scholars, professors and cultural functionaries from Russia, France and Latvia.One of the most charming objects displayed in this exhibition are gloves made by Lilly Alehyn (Russia). These handmade gloves are ornamented in golden embroidery with motives borrowed from Leonardo’s paintings. There are works of Alexander Krylov, the curator of Amber Room in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin) exhibited in Riga St. Peter’s Church as well. Krylov has designed several unique amber objects amongst which are the only amber violin in the world and Leonardo’s portrait in amber. While Latvian artist Eliat Asne presents her kinetic paintings.You may follow us on:Exhibition is on display until May 12, 2013.Opening hours of Riga St. Peter’s Church:Daily from 10.00 until 18.00On Sundays from 12.00 until 18.00On Mondays – closedMore information: www.peterbaznica.riga.lv
