Media tour:
Džemma

On Friday, 22 August 2025, at 12.00 the Latvian National Museum of Art invites journalists to the media tour of Džemmaexhibition, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the remarkable Latvian painter Džemma Skulme.

Registration of participants:
11.30–12.00

The artist Džemma Skulme (1925–2019) both in her painting and personal conviction about the role of culture in a broader context, was always guided by the measure of human basic values – a spiritual vertical rooted in the heritage of folk culture. She used painting as a personal space of exploration and freedom, a means to understand herself and affirm traditions. The author’s triad of figures – the daughter of the nation, caryatid and queen – also personified her desire to protect and honour national heritage. As a recurring theme, she introduced the motif of dialogue, elevating symbols of Latvian identity into an internationally resonant form of art.

Džemma Skulme’s exhibition is not only a tribute to the artist on the occasion of her centenary. Mistress’ reflections on her life and art are read today with new relevance: “Yes, that’s it. In life, I had to play my role both in politics and public life, and, of course, this exhibition will not fully show me as I am. On the one hand, I lived and worked in a specific time, my works have sounded out various themes, there was what I call social engagement. It has elevated me in society, so people know me, and that also created a myth about me. Because it was the Soviet era, and it was important: the people had to be encouraged to recognize themselves, their heritage, and their values – that we are a rich nation, that we must not lose what we have achieved, what we have created, that we must not lose our self-respect.”

Exhibition will be on display in the right wing galleries of the 2nd floor of the main building of the Latvian National Museum of Art from 23 August 2025 to 25 January 2026.

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