PHOTO: Opening of the Cēsis 2021 Art Festival

On 10 July, the fifteenth Cēsis Art Festival, dedicated to myths and rituals, was open to the public. On the opening day, the Cēsis Centre for Contemporary Art launched a vast exhibition “Flying Closer to the Sun. Myths and Rituals” showcasing seven new large-scale works by Latvian artists. Later, in Raiskumkrogs we experienced opening of exhibition “Whole” by “SEB Scholarship in Painting 2020” Laureate Madara Kvēpa. In the evening visitors could enjoy a sound and motion act “Danse macabre” (“The Dance of Death”), created by composer Edgars Mākens and artist Krišs Salmanis.

Exhibition “Flying Closer to the Sun. Myths and Rituals” introduce us with new works from renowned Latvian artists: Aija Zariņa, Miķelis Fišers, Andris Eglītis, Ģirts Muižnieks, Krista and Reinis Dzudzilo, Katrīna Neiburga and Vika Eksta.

Exhibition “Whole” in Raiskuma krogs by “SEB Scholarship in Painting 2020” Laureate Madara Kvēpa. The author focuses on the concepts of physical health and mental integrity. These ideas are covered in a series of paintings and spatial objects, taking into account last year's pandemics, as well as historical and ritual contexts.

In the evening visitors were able to enjoy sound and motion performance “Danse macabre” (“The Dance of Death”) inviting the viewers into a world of unusual soundscapes and visual effects. The puppet ballet, Death with an electric guitar, the musical saw, the mystery of sound and the burlesque of movement – just like in the olden days when the dance of death was a societal mechanism for blowing off steam. The creator of the choreography for the show is Rūdolfs Gediņš.

Photo: Anete Rūķe