Suchergebnisse

Examination of the techniques used for depicting human beings in periodicals of the second half of the 19th century demonstrates how Latvian visual identity was formed at a time when the formation of national identity took place. The article is an attempt to characterise visualisation of the human being in the Latvian magazines "Pagalms" (1881–1882), "Rota" (1884–1887), "Austrums" (1885–1906), and "Mājas Viesa Mēnešraksts" (1895–1905). The development of art dynamics is revealed by characterising the principles of depiction of the human being in connection with the spirit of the time, i.e., national identity. Periodicals were the most accessible medium of the 19th century which formed and in which the concepts of Latvian identity were formed. At the same time the visual material of periodicals provides a general notion not only of the process of identity formation but also helps to reveal how an artist perceives a human being, as well as gives an insight into the use of formal stylistics, art techniques, and the scope of artistic influences.

The article Cultural and Historical Research of Stāmeriena Palace. The Architectural Design of the Palace in the Context of European Historical Styles aims to study the cultural and historical heritage of Stāmeriena Palace, focusing on the architectural research of the manor house in the context of the influences of European historical styles.
The article is based on the research work, which is based on the documents found in the Latvian State Historical Archive, the Herder Institute Archive in Marburg, Germany, the Estonian National Archive, and the Alūksne Zonal State Archive. The research of Stāmeriena Palace as an architectural and artistic unit is based on unpublished research, as well as on observations made by the authors of the article. Based on the information provided in the documents, photographs, and unpublished studies (architectural research materials), the article reveals the four stages of the construction of the palace. Detailed attention is paid to the first two construction periods of Stāmeriena Palace, from 1835 to 1905 and from 1908 to 1940, when the most significant architectural changes to the façade and the overall ensemble of the building can be identified, which are closely related to the characteristic manifestations of 19th-century historicism architecture.

Graffiti and street art are continuously topical for the cultural space of Latvia. Graffiti and street art are created, exist and vanish in a short period of time, questioning borders of art, its social function, as well as legality. Till now, an unexplored field of study in Latvia has been the necessity and possibilities for the conservation and restoration of graffiti and street art. Photographs taken by Aija Melbārde and Auguste Petre serve as an example of documenting and exposing signs of our time. They also raise questions for reflection – What is the significance of graffiti and street art within the scene of contemporary art? What are the functions of graffiti and street art in society, as social art? What are the aspects of legality of graffiti and street art? What are the issues for conservation and restoration of graffiti and street art? These photographs invite and challenge the audience interested in cultural and artistic expressions and general public to question the valuation and preservation of contemporary cultural heritage. Through exposing graffiti and street art as a significant segment of urban environment, this selection of photographs invites to consider the use of graffiti and street art for diverse purposes – for publicity and attracting tourism, or as a means of communication in urban culture, among other. The present selection of photographs is based on the exhibition that took place at the "Culture Crossroads 2017" scholarly conference in Riga and complemented the transdisciplinary section "Graffiti: challenges for artists, society, and conservators". For locating visual testimonies of graffiti and street art in Riga, the Street Art Map of Riga is presented as addendum to the present volume.