Anatolijs Borodkins (b. 1947) is a widely recognized ceramist who has been active in Latvian professional ceramics for several decades. His professional identity spans multiple fields -painting, sculpture, architecture, and interior design.

In the exhibition “Retrospective,” the artist reflects on his creative work, revisiting his pieces and engaging in a dialogue with them.

Born in Ukraine and living and working in Latvia, Anatolijs Borodkins is the husband of ceramist Ženija Loginova, with whom in tandem he has created numerous porcelain art pieces. They have collaborated in artist symposia at Zvārta Castle, thereby promoting recognition of the ceramics field. Since 1992, the artists have held joint solo exhibitions. As they describe themselves: “Professional education was obtained in different art academies and in various fields, which allows us to complement each other successfully. Sometimes we work together, but our individual works are distinct, each with its own style.”

Borodkins’ works often extend beyond frames and pedestals. His interest in exterior design reflects a desire to influence the surrounding environment and integrate art into urban spaces or landscapes. In the retrospective solo exhibition, this is seen as a progression from small-scale forms to ambitious projects that define space.

The artist describes himself as a creative artist because he enjoys painting. His works are vibrant and full of life, and when viewed, it is easy to imagine what the artist sees and feels at that moment. The nuances of color allow him to express everything vividly and precisely.

Anatolijs Borodkins studied at the Crimea Art High School, Painting Department in Simferopol, Ukraine, from 1962 to 1966, and in 1971 graduated from Vera Mukhina Higher School of Art and Industry (now A. Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design, Saint Petersburg, Russia). From 1977 to 1982, he worked as a lecturer at the Crimea Art School, and from 1982 to 1995, was an artist at the Art Combine of the Crimean branch of the Ukrainian SSR Art Fund in Simferopol.

Since 1980, has participated in exhibitions in Latvia and abroad—in Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Italy, Canada, Germany, Yugoslavia, Spain, Egypt, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, China, France, India, and Japan—and has held several solo exhibitions in Ukraine, Latvia, Spain, and France.

He has been a member of the Latvian Artists’ Union since 1994, a member of the UNESCO Professional Artists’ Association since 2003, and was formerly a member of the USSR Artists’ Union.

Borodkins’ works are part of collections at the Riga Porcelain Museum, the LNMA Decorative Arts and Design Museum, the Ukrainian Artists’ Union collection, the Ukrainian Museum of Applied Arts in Kyiv, the History and Art Museum in Sevastopol, museums in Japan, China, Slovenia, Spain, as well as in private collections.

Anatolijs Borodkins actively participates in international ceramics and painting symposia—he has taken part in approximately thirty such events in Ukraine, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia, Spain, France, China, India, and Japan; in the 1990s, he also served as a symposium organizer.