An artful play on words 

May 28, 2009
By Monika Hanley

RIGA - Most people know the name of Arsenals from the huge film festival that takes place in Riga in September. However, on Torna Street, beyond the Soviet style statue heads guarding the building lies a treasure trove of rarely seen works of modern art, in a city that thrives on old.  
In the hilarious and stunning display, “Vodkas, Sex, Aromas,” Leonards Laganovskis, turns ordinary brands, phrases, and ideas into brands of vodka. Using Soviet times as his inspiration and ironic muse Lagonovskis creates an intriguing collection of satirical works. 

In a series of large canvas works Lagonovskis uses a cheeky play on words to turn well known trademarks into various ironic vodka brands such as “Dieselskaya” and “Yankeevkaya.” The theme is continued with “CalvinKleinovskaya” and “Chanelnaya” and other recognizable names.
The exhibit continues with “Comingsoonaya” as well as many other humorous pieces exploring the ideas of normalcy and perspective.
 
Lagonovskis’ exhibition titled “Normali” is a play on the typical Latvian answer to the question “How are you?” when one is hurried or uninterested in sharing the details of their private lives.
This style of art on display by Lagonovskis is more real irony. His McLenin piece shows a rare photograph of Lenin smiling framed by typical menu items at a Soviet style restaurant such as “fish,” “hard boiled egg” and other vague entries. Even salt and butter were separately listed on the menu. All photographs are from the Soviet era, using the finest quality Russian film, which, judging by the grainy images in the artwork must not have been that great.

Along with Lagonovskis’ work, visitors can also view nature paintings by Andris Eglitis.  
Arsenals Gallery has always been at the forefront of Riga’s hip and thought provoking art scene. Last year the venue made headlines with their “Mythology of Soviet Land” exhibition. A part of the Latvian National Art museum, the gallery has been open since the 1900s but features mostly modern art. 

From the remnants of a customs storage facility near the banks of the Daugava, came one of the most popular museums in the city today. Built in Russian classicism style, Arsenals is also known for its film festivals, such as the Riga International Fantasy Film Festival, and popular Arsenals Festival, the first independent film festival held in the former Soviet Union.

Arsenals is also one of the most expensive museums and galleries in Riga, which makes it an ideal place to visit on nights such as “Museum Night” and “White Nights” in August when museums are free. Normal prices for adults are from 2 lats (if you happen to be in a group of eight or more) to 2.50.  
Although the current works have made the international and overseas circuit, they will only be on display until May 31.

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