A new exhibition titled 'Various Lengths of Dreams' showcases the surrealistic interpretations of eight Latvian graphic artists during the Soviet occupation era, drawing connections to the influence of dreams and Freud's theories on the unconscious.
A recent exhibition titled 'Various Lengths of Dreams' has been launched at the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMM), reflecting on the surrealist themes present in the works of Latvian graphic artists during the Soviet occupation. The exhibition draws its title from the 1974 poetry collection by Ojārs Vācieši and transforms the original theme into a celebration of the dreams that were integral to surrealism. This perspective emphasizes the creative process, dreamlike atmospheres, and the magical elements within art, aligning with the thoughts of the poet on the nature of creativity.
The focus of the exhibition is on the surrealist interpretations of eight significant graphic artists: Māris Ārgalis, Ilmārs Blumbergs, Valija Brence, Maija Dragūne, Arturs Ņikitins, Aija Ozoliņa, Māra Rikmane, and Lolita Zikmane. These artists, whose works span the 1970s and 1980s, are not only talented but have also remained lesser-known within the academic discourse surrounding Soviet-era art in Latvia. The exhibition offers insight into their contributions and highlights a hidden aspect of artistic expression under a regime that marginalized such art forms.
During the Soviet occupation, surrealism was often relegated alongside abstractionism to a list of disfavored art movements, making the works presented in this exhibition notable. By showcasing these artists and their surrealist motifs, the exhibition plays a crucial role in re-evaluating and reclaiming the artistic legacy of Latvia during a politically oppressive time, encouraging a broader understanding of artistic freedom and expression.
