Mar 5 • 13:13 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Creative reaction to the Cabinet of Ministers' "reckless decisions". Iveta Gabaliņa's exhibition at the "ISSP" gallery

The article discusses Iveta Gabaliņa's exhibition, which creatively reflects on the Latvian Cabinet's controversial decisions regarding forest management.

Iveta Gabaliņa's latest exhibition at the 'ISSP' gallery presents a unique response to the Latvian government's controversial decisions about forest management, particularly concerning the thinning of trees. The exhibition showcases not only striking photographs but also a distinctive scenography that includes large layered prints that invite viewers to explore the intricate structures of various trees. Gabaliņa, in an interview on Latvian Radio's 'Kultūras rondo', highlights her shift towards more complex photographic installations, influenced by the thematic content of her work and her past inclination towards minimalism.

The central theme of Gabaliņa's work is the forest, which gained significance for her following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She indicates that the urgency to address forest issues arose after the government introduced certain regulations that allowed for the thinning of trees; these regulations were later deemed unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. Gabaliņa's deep engagement with this subject reflects a broader concern regarding environmental management in Latvia and underscores the ongoing conflict regarding forestry policies.

Through her artistic lens, Gabaliņa engages with the 'drama' surrounding trees and forests in Latvia, tracking developments over the past two years. Her dedication to documenting both old forests and the surrounding ecosystem evokes a sense of urgency about these environmental issues, inviting viewers to contemplate the impact of governmental decisions on natural landscapes. The exhibition serves not just as an art display but also as a call to awareness about the critical state of Latvia's forests and the need for sustainable practices in forestry management.

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