From March 11 to April 11, the exhibition “Retrospective” by painter Laima Eglīte (b. 1945) is on view at Daugava Gallery in Riga, Ausekļa Street 1.
The exhibition offers insight into the artist’s creative legacy, revealing the diversity of her work, her aesthetic sensitivity, and her distinctive artistic language.
Laima Eglīte is one of the most unique Latvian artists of her generation, whose work is characterized by a strong individual approach and emotional depth. Her creative practice extends beyond painting to include book illustration and animation, both of which hold an important place in Latvia’s cultural landscape.
On March 17, Daugava Gallery hosted the launch of a book dedicated to Laima Eglīte’s painting, along with a meeting with the artist.
The publication was made possible with the support of art patron and entrepreneur Māris Martinsons. As the creators of the book emphasize, it is one thing to support a publication about a widely recognized artist, but quite another to publish a work about an author whose art is outstanding yet less known to the broader public. This is precisely the case with Laima Eglīte.
Māris Martinsons notes: “I believe it is important to draw attention to artists whose work is exceptional but who, for various reasons, have not achieved wide recognition. The case of Laima Eglīte is a vivid reminder that true art exists independently of publicity.”
The artist herself once said:
“If I am needed, they will find me even in a mouse hole.”
These words have proven true through her collaboration with a gallery in Belgium that has worked with her art for several decades. At the same time, she acknowledges that if it is not meant to be, everything can disappear like the wind. Laima Eglīte’s works have also been exhibited in France, Japan, and Spain.
The publication brings together more than 100 of the artist’s works, demonstrating the richness, strength, and individuality of her artistic expression.
Publicity has never been a priority for Laima Eglīte. She does not believe it defines an artist’s success, which may explain why her first comprehensive catalogue is being published only now — at a time when many artists have already had several publications dedicated to their work early in their careers.
(Translated using artificial intellect tool)
Additional information: www.galerijadaugava.lv
Photo: Augustīns Delle
