Artificial light

Artificial light is a second solo show of Latvian artist Andris Eglitis at pop/off/art gallery. Andris Eglitis is one of the leading artists of emerging generation in Baltic countries known for his paintings and multi-unit installations and objects. Andris develops interdisciplinary approach in his works. In his paintings he depicts previously constructed light installations where objects are seen irrespective of their functions and combined with natural forms. As a result, Eglitis’s images always balance on the edge between abstract and figurative art, implying visitors to closely observe his pieces for a long time.

The exhibit features artworks from the Reflections (The Illuminated and the Enlightened) series some of which were created especially for this show. In this series artist expresses an idea of representation of light and shadow as a main formative structure in fine arts. According to the ancient Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder the origin of fine arts (drawings, sculptures, reliefs) is in a traced shadow of a man on a wall turned into bas-relief. Since that time the phenomenon of turning three-dimensional object onto two-dimensional piece of paper became the main artistic endeavor.

Andris Eglitis. From the «Reflections (The Illuminated and the Enlightened)» series. 30x32

Andris Eglitis. From the «Reflections (The Illuminated and the Enlightened)» series. 23,5x28

Eglitis changes his focus from the object itself to a light aura created by objects. Though he does not dwell on the study of visual shape, but he is interested in the metaphysics of light. ‘I find it very fascinating that the word Reflection itself has this double meaning of mirroring light and an activity of mind.

Light creates illusions, changes atmospheres and the way we see things. In our post-truth reality everything depends on light. In what kind of light things are shown’ – the artist says.Light as a term can refer to different phenomena in language – physical, mental, spiritual. According to the artist, in such northern countries as Russia or Latvia people need to work on their happiness due to lack of sunlight. The idea of struggling for happiness through inner work of spirit lies at the core of northern culture. Eglitis’s meditative paintings, his poetic images are giving to visitors the ray of hope.

The exhibition was supported by the Republic of Latvia in the Russian Federation

Andris Eglitis was born in Riga in 1981. He studied at Janis Rozentals Riga Art High school (1992-1999), then received a degree in Fine Art from Art Academy of Lativa (1999-2005), also studied at Manchester Metropolitan University (2002), Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts (2004), and Higher Institute of Fine Arts (Gent, Belgium, 2012-2013). He was awarded a Purvitis Prize (2013) and an Autumn Exhibition prize (2002, 2007). In 2015 Eglitis together with Katrina Neiburga were commissioned to work on the Latvian National pavilion at 56th Venice Biennale. His first solo show in Russia took place at pop/off/art gallery in 2016. In 2019 pop/off/art gallery presented his solo booth at Art Brussels contemporary art fair. His works are included in collections of KIASMA Museum in Helsinki (Finland), Latvian National Museum of Art, Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art in Riga, that is currently under construction, and private collections in Latvia and worldwide.