In her work with porcelain and other ceramic materials Līga Skariņa focuses on delicate surface finish, rhythmic openwork elements and light. For this exhibition she has created a series of new works based on exploration of the vase form "Kristīne", produced by Riga Porcelain factory in the second half on the 20th century (designed by artist Taisija Poluikēviča). One form becomes a frame, a one-size blank page to be skillfully interpreted in different ways.

To create a series of artworks around an industrial form is an intentional and conceptual choice of the artist to go against this object's origin and purpose. The factory form, intended to be repeatedly reproduced on the production line with maximum precision in form and decor, becomes the basis for multitude of variations and creative experiments. Different materials (liquid glass and silicone besides porcelain), different kinds of firing, structures, textures, colours.

“Can artist's touch change how the form is perceived, what story it tells? Can a form created almost half a century ago inspire new ideas and fresh, contemporary outlook?" Līga Skariņa wants to find out in her new exhibition.

Līga Skariņa is an associate professor at the Ceramics Department of the Art Academy of Latvia. She graduated from the Academy in 1986, and is a member of the Artists' Union of Latvia. She regularly participates in local and international group exhibitions and has solo exhibitions. Her works are found in museum collections in Latvia, Taiwan and Japan.

Photo by Gvido Kajons.