2010 - The 4th Riga International Textile and Fibre Art Triennial

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Tradition & Innovation
Global Intrigue 2, Exhibition hall Arsenals of the Latvian National Art Museum, Riga, Latvia

9. July - 5. Sept 2010
 

© Velta Raudzepa Project Leader
Latvian National Art Museum / Museum of Decorative Arts and Design

How do artists manifest themselves in the period of the global crisis?
How does it affect artistic expression and creativity?
How do textile artists update their time in space/surroundings, materials and contemporary technologies?
How do innovations work in cross-cultural contacts and is there still felt the connection with traditions?

The 4th Riga International Triennial of Textile and Fibre Art Tradition & Innovation continues the tradition of organizing the European Textile and Fibre Art Triennials launched in 2001. Due to the fact that the European event has grown far out of its borders and has definitely become the world event and following the advice of the jurors of the previous Triennials, since this year it manifests as the Riga International. After the advice of artists the Triennial continues the theme of the Triennial 2007 and addresses spectators as GLOBAL INTRIGUE II. The Museum chose the theme to echo spirited and lively discussions about the nature of contemporary textile and fibre art, to examine different aspects of its development today.

The main idea of the GLOBAL INTRIGUE II was to develop further and extend the theme of the Triennial 2007, based on different aspects of globalization in the connection with new problems and challenges in our contemporary world. 
How do artists manifest themselves in the period of the global crisis?
How does it affect artistic expression and creativity?
How do textile artists update their time in space/surroundings, materials and contemporary technologies?
How do innovations work in cross-cultural contacts and is there still felt the connection with traditions?

From almost 200 artists from different parts of the world the Jury for the show chose 68 art works representing artists from 23 countries. We can see in the display works, made by artists from all the Baltic and Nordic countries, also France, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Poland and other European countries. Original artworks have arrived in Riga from far away countries: Japan, the USA, Peru, Costa Rica, etc.
The International panel of Jurors, consisting of five members, two experts being from Latvia, three – coming from other countries: Yves Millecamps (France), Kristine Scherer (Germany), Liz Cooper (UK) did their best to select the most characteristic for the time art pieces, art works with the most intriguing, catchable and sparkling ideas. Two artists were especially invited by the Organizing Committee. The invitation was accepted by the famous and globally renowned artist Sheila Hicks (USA, France) who is represented by two art pieces. The participation of a professional like Sheila Hicks, whose art pieces are part of modern art museums and numerous interiors in the whole world is a really unique event and at the same time a great honour to our country. It should be stressed that her works are displayed in Latvia for the first time.
Traditionally one invited artist is representing Latvia and this time it is the textile and fibre artist P?teris Sidars.

In general the exhibition illustrates the extraordinary vitality of artistic expressions and presents a variety of thematical and artistic aspects. Artists’ interest lies in the human body and feeling; global health problems (breast cancer, influenza, women’s beauty and plastical surgery); social and political aspects (integration, social values), tension of conflicts in the world and among people. They argue against urbanism, reflect on economic and ecological demands, our quick speed of life, even our everyday global need - the internet and problems it can cause. They try to stress cultural values and those of human relationship, temporality, continuity. It was interesting to learn that some artists define our time as a „Chaotic world”, others bring to the ground particular themes, like immigration and emigration, global warming, terrorism threats, egoism of human beings, etc.

Commenting on artistic and technical aspects one can state with pleasure that classical traditions, like tapestry weaving are returning or coming into fashion again, what is to my mind very positive. At the same time the use of digital Jacquard loom is progressing. Alongside – a variety of different craft techniques and visual art languages that proves their interconnection has resulted in a contemporary art pieces. Embroidery, contemporary lace, felting, drawing effects, shaping and forming the textile, using of recycling materials, etc. are presented. Surprisingly there is still great interest in installations – with or even without the textile material context. Among the submitted works there were textiles in the expected natural and synthetic fabrics, as well as works made from non-traditional materials.

Definitely a new aspect is that for the first time artists demonstrate interest in interactive textiles and objects. This is a sign that art professionals want to have an even closer dialogue with the society and this is very inspiring. I was also astonished that this time many artists have discussed in their compositions and have found intriguing solution for the theme, touching the delicate border between life and death.

As these examples and the entire exhibition demonstrate, artists expand their vocabulary, methods and subjects. I do hope you all will be enriched by this wonderful show - the work of all the artists who help us to see the world in new artistic ways and that the GLOBAL INTRIGUE II will create a wonderful dialogue between the creators and the public.

I would like to extend many thanks to our main sponsoring institutions: the State Culture Capital Foundation and the AB.LV Public Benefit Foundation for the financial support.
I extend thanks also to all foreign embassies in Latvia which found it possible to contribute to this exhibition.

Velta Raudzepa
Project Leader
Latvian National Art Museum / Museum of Decorative Arts and Design