Artistic and useful achievements of inter-war Latvia

RIGA - Сountries have always thought about how they promote themselves. International relations are based on perceptions of the other side; hence, appearances are important if one wants to be considered a reliable partner. One of the factors that advertises oneself is culture, which includes not only fashion or architecture, but also technical achievements, which say that the society within the country is ready to build a better world.

The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design introduces “Latvia in Paris,” a collection which has been showcased in two world-scale fairs, in 1925 (L’Exposition internationale des arts decoratifs et industriels modernes) and 1937 (L’Exposition internationale des arts et techniques dans la vie moderne). “The participation of Latvia in both exhibitions was a brave and very significant step in the popularization of Latvia’s country and its achievements in the global arena – in the field of history and cultural traditions, art, publishing, as well as in industrial production,” the curator Velta Raudzepa says, describing the first exhibition which is dedicated to international fairs. “Latvia was approved and had success in both exhibitions. It gives proof through both the reviews in the press and private correspondence, and the noteworthy number of received awards.”

The exhibition displays items from Latvia’s National Museum of Art, the Literature and Music Museum, the Museum of History and Navigation, the Latvian War Museum and private collections. Visitors are invited to look at photos, reviews and plans of the fairs themselves, obtained from the archives of Paris and the academic library of Latvian University. Additionally, there is another value presented in the exhibition, which speaks about Latvia’s social life, education and industrial development in the 1920s – 1930s. What should you pay attention to? The set “Nation” by Jekabs Bine, the stand by the studio “Baltars,” with unique porcelain items, and the sketches of Ludolfs Liberts!

International fairs have always demonstrated a willingness to be a country to join in the global competition, to display what has been done, and, in a competitive flavor, to show who has done better. Thus, participation in such events ensures a wider identification with the world. The fact that the Latvian delegation went on its journey to Paris shortly after gaining independence means industrial and cultural development was advanced enough to showcase the country as a significant partner for others for the future. The exhibition explains the potential Latvia had nine decades ago, possibly giving credit to those who built up industry even before those years.

Meanwhile, the exhibition also serves as a recognition point for today’s society to understand the meaning of being part of industry, created to increase the welfare of Latvia, be it the physical goods which can be used, for example, in the kitchen, or the psychological goods which please both the eye and mind. Moreover, the items which have represented the country almost a century ago put an emphasis on the national treasure, which is important today as well; hence, the exhibition offers a shortcut to learning the country’s history.

The place where a person comes from indicates others’ perceptions of him or her. It is good if someone can point in the direction for where to go to help realize this perception. The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design has organized an introduction to Latvian’s progress, and this, in itself, really does show another perspective in thinking.

1 Torna Street, Riga
Every day 11.00–17.00, ticket desk 11.00–16.45
Wednesdays 11.00–19.00, ticket desk 11.00–18.45
Closed on Mondays
The exhibition is open till Aug. 5.