The paintings of Irina Ošleja are coming to the museum "Riga Art Nouveau Center" done in the author's unique techniques, in which a touch of Art Nouveau lines and colors can also be felt. The exhibition "Wake Up in a Dream" will feature paintings in which Irina Ošleja (1966 -2021) captured dreams in colors and lines. The visualizations of the author's thoughts and dreams encourage others to look into oneself and dares to ask life's big questions. "Dreams are the main source of inspiration and themes for my work. By painting and drawing, I try to depict the atmosphere experienced in the dream and the impression it has on me. The works not only depict what was seen in a dream, but also collect the emotions and reflections it evokes, which resonate with collective values."

The name of Irina Ošleja is associated with a sophisticated, but at the same time bold and poignant message. Irina's artworks are painted in both oil and acrylic techniques. While studying at the Academy of Art in Venice, she developed and perfected her original technique, combining painting and drawing techniques.

Irina Ošleja graduated from the Latvian Academy of Arts, obtained a Master's academic degree in 2013, studied at the Venice Art Academy and studied painting at the Florence Institute of Art and Restoration. Together with the students of the Choreography Faculty of the Latvian Academy of Music, she staged the one-act ballet "Incident in Klerkopolė". Personal exhibitions have been held both in Latvia and abroad, including the exhibitions "Der Ball" (Graz, Austria), "Klerkopole?" (Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Center). Participated in group exhibitions and symposia: "100 Latvian Art" (Daugavpils Marka Rothko Art Center), international small format exhibition (France), M. Verjovkinas Art Society symposiums (Lithuania), annual art exhibitions-promotions at the Bulduri Exhibition House, etc. Irina Ošleja is the author of the text and illustrations for the children's book "Jurucis the hedgehog. Stories for big and small". Organized book presentation events for children in the Latvian National Library, Riga Central Library, libraries in Kuldīga and Ventspils.

The exhibition was created in cooperation with the artist's son Kārlis Ošlejs, the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Center and thanks to the support of the artist's friends from the French Embbasy in Latvia.

The exhibition at the museum "Riga Art Nouveau Center" can be viewed until May 28, 2023 during the museum's working hours. The museum is open from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. every day except Mondays.

A wider insight into Irina Ošlejas art can be viewed on the website www.irinaosleja.com.

Publicity image: Irina Ošleja "Ball" (Canvas, oil. 2015, 179 x 120 cm) from the collection of Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Center.