The article provides an overview of the MABOCA gallery, which opened in 2022 in Madona, Latvia, highlighting the challenges of accessibility to contemporary art in smaller cities compared to the capital. The author expresses a personal sense of distance that deterred her from visiting the gallery sooner, noting that contemporary art is not solely a phenomenon of Riga but is thriving in smaller towns as well. The recent exhibition, "In the Center of the Universe 2," aims to address the perception and enjoyment of contemporary art while encouraging viewers to disconnect from their daily anxieties.

In the context of an unusually cold winter in Latvia, the article reflects on the soothing atmosphere of Madona and its significance in providing a retreat from the stresses of urban life. The author draws attention to the overwhelming pressures of work, communication demands, and concerns over reduced cultural funding, likening the resulting anxiety to a stormy cloud looming over society. By visiting Madona, the writer seeks both artistic inspiration and a reprieve from these pressures, highlighting the importance of regional galleries in presenting art that resonates with local audiences.

The article encourages readers to recognize the vital role that contemporary art plays in regional communities and invites them to engage more actively with cultural offerings beyond major urban centers. It serves as a reminder that art can foster not only aesthetic appreciation but also emotional and psychological relief, providing a necessary counterbalance to the challenges of modern life, particularly in smaller locales such as Madona.