Solo Show
17.07. – 29.08.2020. ISSP Gallery, Rīga, Latvia
Curator: Evita Goze
In her series, “Love Re-search” Latvian artist Annemarija Gulbe captures intimate and revealing situations between her friends and acquaintances. Wandering through Riga nightlife as a distant observer, she attempts to understand what it means to be in love as she has never experienced the feeling herself.
Graphic design: Līga Spunde
Exhibition view photo: Ģirts Raģelis
Exhibition partners & supporters: VV Foundation, VKKF, Krāsu serviss.
LOVE RE-CENSORED
A few days after the opening, gallery was asked to cover up several works from exhibition. Anonymous neighbour considered the images as “pornographic” and “unsuitable for children”. I came up with the idea of covering these 6 images with fabrics, referring to examples from art history, when draperies were painted over the naked bodies , also pointing to the specific “problematic” images.
None of photographies was removed from the show and gallery windows remained open. During the exhibition programme there was a public discussion on topics related to the censorship in Latvia, using this example as a case-study and start of a broader and much – needed conversation.
The viewer becomes an observer, where he shamelessly peeks into the intimate space between the image and its curtain. The neighbour becomes uncomfortable in the same way as if he were present at these events photographed.
ANNEMARIJA GULBE 