A Latvian artist is using thier work to spark a national conversation about renewal – not just of physical spaces, but of cultural identity and societal introspection. From reflections on the recent Song Festival to a new theatrical production exploring personal and collective obligation, the artist argues for a focus on internal “renovation” as a pathway to national progress. The conversation comes at a critical juncture, as concerns grow over diminishing support for Latvian arts and culture amid broader geopolitical shifts.
A recurring theme of “renovation” runs through a Latvian artist’s recent work, extending from national identity to personal space. The concept surfaced during the Song Festival, representing the nation itself, and continues in a detective story focusing on the internal spaces that impact the external world.
The production “Mosquito” further explores this idea of renovation, echoing a previous project in Liepāja. The artist explains that living space becomes a reflection of internal space. “Space unites all the works in various meanings,” they said. “At the Song Festival, space is also our Latvia, which could use some renovation. But as a young person, it’s clear to me that I need to tidy up my own garden before tackling the rest of the territory. If everyone takes care of their own garden, Latvia will become better.”
The artist’s latest work centers on a couple hoping to renovate a new apartment, but things don’t go as planned. “As long as we don’t sort out the inner world, it’s hard to start fixing anything else,” they noted. “Experience shows that people in power try to fix everything else, but maybe to solve something bigger, you need to fix what’s closest to you first.”
What renovation issues weigh on your mind when thinking about Latvian culture?
The artist believes the importance of culture is being diminished in public discourse, particularly when it comes to funding. “We have our own language, the Song Festival, a wonderful, beautiful culture,” they said. “If we weaken the voices of culture, who are we really? Latvian culture is truly unique and needs to be nurtured, but to nurture it, we need people who do it. If it’s not financially possible to support culture more, it relies on enthusiasts, patriots who work with great love for their country and culture.”
Despite challenges, the artist remains committed to their homeland. “Nothing has changed, I love my country and don’t want to leave,” they stated. “I just want everything to be better, but I also don’t think that our country has failed so far. I get angry when someone claims the opposite. Fundamentally, everything is fine with us, we just need to do better and want to do better. I feel sorry that there are people who don’t want things to be better.”
What could be the reason for not wanting to live in a better country?
The artist suggests that cultural figures have a role to play in exploring this question. “We are a small country, almost everyone knows each other, and we often enter a zone where it’s better to remain silent so as not to offend anyone,” they explained. “Something similar happened at the ‘Spēlemaņu nakts’ (Playwrights’ Night) ceremony, where I co-wrote the script with Matīss Kažs. We joked about our industry, because humor and telling the truth is the only way to move forward. However, there are still people who get offended and believe that it shouldn’t be done that way. I think that’s our biggest problem – the feeling that everything always has to be perfect. Mistakes are necessary, they need to be acknowledged and moved on, ideally laughing at them. The inability to take responsibility and the unwillingness to make mistakes hinder development. Perfectionism, the desire to appear better than we sometimes are, leads to dead ends and makes rather bad decisions. Similarly, the inability to agree on various topics stems from the desire to please everyone, but that is never possible, and that needs to be understood.”
Could theater be a way to address these issues truthfully and humorously? Perhaps more productions like that are needed?
“Yes, developing and continuing to create this type of production would be a blessing and a necessity,” the artist responded. “We started joking about ourselves with Matīss Kažs at the ‘Lielā Kristapa’ (Great Christopher) ceremony earlier this year. This happens all over the world; these ceremonies are specifically designed for us to sometimes say things bluntly, sometimes perhaps even crossing the line of what shouldn’t be said. Knowing that everyone thinks the same way anyway, but doesn’t say it out loud, means pretending there are no problems. But there are many problems. I think, especially public figures, need to be able to point out these problems, while explaining that not only theatergoers but also professionals are aware of these problems and are working on them. That would just be an honest conversation, but perhaps we’re not used to that yet.”
The artist emphasized that this isn’t just a conversation within the cultural sphere. “Throughout different historical periods, our society has needed to be silent in order to survive at all. It’s become ingrained, but I think we need to break free from this silence. It will only enrich us and make us stronger.”
Was what was said at ‘Spēlemaņu nakts’ just telling the truth to a like-minded audience? And, given that funding for culture is being reduced, is that perhaps one of the reasons why cultural figures are not speaking out loudly right now?
“I can agree with that,” the artist conceded. “At the same time, we, cultural figures, understand where the money is more needed right now. It would be hypocritical and arrogant to take away from defense and say that culture needs more. There are different times when you need to be able to adapt. This is a global problem, in most countries culture is always taken from and not added to. However, cultural figures are empathetic, aware that others need more. But we shouldn’t ignore or diminish the importance of culture; it is just as important a player as defense. Culture is one of our defensive walls, it unites, a common culture creates a sense of belonging, fosters patriotism, and the desire to stay here – to work, live and raise children.”
Sign up for the LASI.LV editor’s digest here.
Sign up for the digest and receive twice a week a detailed compilation of current news, competent opinions and the most interesting interviews from the LASI.LV chief editor.
You will receive:
- Diverse comments and competent opinions of Latvijas Mediju journalists and authors on current affairs
- Expert comments on various practical, useful topics
- Fascinating materials on history, psychology, culture
- A cartoon by Gatis Šļūka
- In your e-mail box every Thursday
