When choosing the theme of this year's exhibition, it was impossible to ignore the world's geopolitical situation. It was also impossible to predict what would happen during the exhibition - at the turn of the year. At the same time, it was clear that with any development of the situation, many of us will need comfort.

The third decade of the 21st century has begun dramatically. For two years, the habits of the whole world were significantly changed by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and a war that has shaken the region to its core. Although we cherish the hope that we as humanity are evolving towards greater humanity, we are still experiencing radical changes and fundamental disappointment. Ignorance of the future, suffering, death. It is a traumatic experience that we cannot pretend not to see or feel. But how to react to it, what to think and what to do?

This year, artists, interacting with their personal or global traumatic experiences, have created works that reflect on the theme of "consolation". Often the work process itself can be healing; a way to sort out your emotions, find peace and understand your position. Not only the creation of a work of art - the transfer of thoughts and feelings into material - but also the themes revealed in it can serve as a consolation. This year, the jury has selected the works of 23 authors from 7 different countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Taiwan and Turkey. Latvia is represented at the exhibition by: Gita Ābola, Ojūna Batbajara, Juris Bergins, Ilze Emse-Grīnberga, Viktors Kosenko, Lauris Krauze, Daiga Krūze, Jānis Kupčs, Inese Margēviča, Valda Podkalne, Inita Reimandova, Ainārs Rimicāns, Astra Šēnberga and Elita Taube.

The tradition of international small-form porcelain exhibitions at the Riga Porcelain Museum has been in place since 2006; since 2015, the exhibition has a new theme every year. This year, visitors of the exhibition have the opportunity to reflect on their emotions and attitudes about the shocking events of the last year, to find solace in art or to appreciate creative imagination, of the theme addressed by professional artists.

Publicity image: Valda Podkalne (Latvia) "Light View" 2022

Publicity photo author: Gvido Kajons