Latvia's Fifth Ceramics Biennale Commences in Cēsis, Highlighting Burgeoning Latvian Artisans
The art world in Latvia is abuzz with excitement as two significant events in the ceramics scene are underway. The "FRESH: New Voices in Latvian Ceramics" exhibition and the Fifth Latvia Ceramics Biennale are captivating audiences with their innovative and thought-provoking displays.
The "FRESH" exhibition, organised by the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics in collaboration with the Cēsis Exhibition Hall and the Rothko Museum, showcases the studios, exhibitions, workshops, and other activities of eight emerging ceramic artists: Egija Grīnfelde, Katerina Geiduka, Laima Lauriņa, Linda Ķivule, Linda Zelta, Marta Prēdele, Megija Zonne, and Ojūna Batbajara. The exhibition is on view at the Cēsis Exhibition Hall, Pils Laukums 3, until 28 September.
The theme for the Fifth Latvia Ceramics Biennale, a landmark event on the European cultural calendar, is "From Stardust to Lush Sprouts." This theme invites reflection on materiality - its forms and transformations, and the enduring value it acquires over time. The Biennale is organised by the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics in partnership with the Rothko Museum, and it is the most prominent and ambitious ceramics event in North-East Europe's contemporary art scene.
The Biennale schedule begins with the opening on August 15, 2025, at the Cēsis Exhibition Hall, showcasing emerging Latvian talent. The flagship event, the international Martinsons Award exhibition, opens at the Rothko Museum in Daugavpils on September 5, 2025, and continues through autumn into winter, with the exhibition running until early 2026. Winners of the Martinsons Award will be announced at the opening event.
The related exhibitions and cultural events are hosted in three Latvian cities: Cēsis, Daugavpils, and Liepāja. The rich program of exhibitions and cultural events throughout August and September 2025 in these cities will unfold under the theme "From Stardust to Lush Sprouts."
The medium of ceramics, according to the curators, has a raw materiality that is inseparably tied to the bodily experience and presence. The exhibition suggests that ceramics dissolves the boundaries between art and daily life. The Latvia Ceramics Biennale serves as a platform for documenting achievements in the field through group and solo exhibitions and a continuous driver of new creative explorations.
The Fifth Latvia Ceramics Biennale is supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation of Latvia. FRESH brings together young women artists who have recently graduated from the Art Academy of Latvia's Ceramics Department. These artists are pursuing independent creative careers, and their works speak to both global themes and personal stories.
The curators of the exhibition, Aivars Baranovskis and Valentins Petjko, note that today's ceramic artists create pieces that reflect current trends in Latvian contemporary ceramics. The Biennale is a testament to the vibrant and evolving ceramics scene in Latvia, and it promises to inspire and captivate audiences for months to come.
