In the exhibitions of the last years, Juris Petraškevičs reveals himself in a variety of drawings, shapes, textures, gestures and interweaving of lines, materiality. In the latest exhibition Uncertain gestures the drawing is given a third dimension. The small-format works on tissue paper undergo changes, delicately combining the materiality of paper with graphite, pigments, pastel, acrylic and wax, transforming into sculptural three-dimensional surfaces, where the path of a single line, the structure of lines, the color field itself has its own value and can be a story. “The drawings do not have names, because I wanted to create them similar to music without a programmatic orientation. Audience revelations, among others, can also be considered full-fledged versions of these works,” Juris Petraškevičs, 2024.
Juris Petraškevičs (1953) – head and professor of the Department of Visual Arts of the Latvian Academy of Arts. In the last ten years, he participated in more than twenty international group exhibitions in Sweden, Denmark, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. Works in various art sectors – graphic design, painting, book illustration and design, coin artist of the Bank of Latvia (coin series Basics; In memory of the barricades). Received several awards and diplomas at international graphic art exhibitions. Has won awards for book illustrations and animation works in Latvia and abroad.
On the other hand, Luciana Marianu’s personal exhibition Finding a home is the second solo exhibition of the Brazilian painter Art XO gallery, Riga. The artist delves into themes of immigration and various forms of rupture, depicting the challenges and struggles that accompany finding new beginnings, homes, and feelings of belonging.
“A series of paintings Finding a home reflects how difficult it is to arrange a life, to keep the dear and beloved, and to keep memories when you have to start life in a new place. The works reveal the psychological difficulties of breaking out of one’s social restrictions and boundaries, leaving one’s comfort zone and joining a new society. Finding a home is more than just a physical move, it’s an emotional journey. Unloading belongings, red tape and the fear of losing one’s identity make the process difficult. It makes you feel dizzy, yet creates new memories, and only by accepting change with kindness can you overcome the emotional distance. While the past still lingers, finding solace in the present requires perseverance, faith, patience and love. Home is not just a place, it’s a feeling ˗ a gradual process in which you have to learn to find belonging,” ˗ Lučāna Marianu, 2024.
A series of twelve paintings by Luciana Marianu Finding a home made during the residency Serlachius Museums, Mente-Vilpulā, in Finland, in 2023. Simultaneously with the personal exhibition Finding a home In Riga from January 16, 2024, the personal exhibition of Lucian Marianu Foreign colors on display at Jakobi Gallery, Tartu, Estonia.
“The 7th work of the series of paintings is about the difficulties of moving from one place to another even after moving. The path may seem easy, but nothing is easy when we feel vulnerable and weak. The door is in the same room, but the simple path from one place to another can to make you feel fear and create dangers that the mind knows too well to ignore. Mental toughness plays a crucial role in the whole process. The decision to start a new life is filled with fear and uncertainty. It takes a lot of courage not only to dare to leave, but also to come and consciously choosing the best possible path for yourself. The ghosts of the past can be kept at a safe distance by making good memories and letting new friends into your life. It is not easy to choose and decide to be happy, leaving behind all the debris, wounds and bruises, but it is necessary, even though it it may seem impossible. But it’s worth it, despite the challenges. I’m grateful to my friends who helped me create new memories, reduce my fears and create a safe haven with wider, more beautiful windows and views,” ˗ Luciana Marianu.
Luciana Marianu is a Brazilian painter of Italian-Portuguese origin, a third-generation representative of Naivism. During the last 14 years, she has participated in exhibitions and projects dedicated to the art of naïve art in galleries and museums around the world. Luciana Marianu (1971) was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. Currently lives and works in Pirkala, Finland. Since 2018, she has participated in 36 group exhibitions and organized 14 solo exhibitions around the world. In 2010, she was nominated as a representative of naive art at the Cow Parade (Cow Parade) Sao Paulo, Brazil. in 2012 Seneca Project within the framework, the artist painted a mural The World is our Home Wembley, Great Britain.
2024-01-08 13:09:18
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