RIBOCA1: Riga's First Contemporary Art Biennial Opens with Focus on Change
On June 2, 2018, the inaugural Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art, known as 'Everything was forever, until it was no more,' commenced in Riga, Latvia. This biennial showcases the works of 104 artists, with 70% hailing from the Baltic region, displayed across eight locations, such as the former University of Latvia Biology Faculty and the Bolshevichka textile factory. Highlighted pieces include 'The Human Zoo' by Erik Kessels, 'Mirror Matter' by Emilija Škarnulytė, and 'Open for Business' by Michael Landy. Curated by Katerina Gregos, the event examines societal change. Controversy surrounded funding linked to organizer Agniya Mirgorodskaya's father, a Russian tycoon, and the absence of participation from local art institutions.
Key facts
- RIBOCA1 opened June 2, 2018 in Riga, Latvia.
- Title borrowed from Alexei Yurchak's book on Soviet collapse.
- 70% of 104 artists are Baltic-born or resident.
- Eight historic venues host the biennial.
- Erik Kessels' 'The Human Zoo' at former Biology Faculty.
- Emilija Škarnulytė's 'Mirror Matter' on neutrino research.
- Michael Landy's 'Open for Business' Brexit-themed.
- Aslan Gaisumov's 'People of No Consequence' on Chechen deportation.
- Jevgeni Zolotko's 'The Sacrifice' container installation.
- Andrejs Strokins' 'A boy who set a house on fire' on fire symbolism.
- Marco Montiel-Soto's 'Permanent Storm' on Venezuelan oil.
- Curated by Katerina Gregos.
- Funding controversy: alleged Russian fishing magnate backing.
- Local institutions not involved in planning.
Entities
Artists
- Erik Kessels
- Emilija Škarnulytė
- Michael Landy
- Aslan Gaisumov
- Jevgeni Zolotko
- Andrejs Strokins
- Marco Montiel-Soto
- Alexei Yurchak
- Katerina Gregos
- Agniya Mirgorodskaya
Institutions
- RIBOCA
- Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art
- University of Latvia
- Museum of the University of Latvia
- Super-Kamiokande
- CERN
- Thomas Dane Gallery
- kim? Contemporary Art Centre
- Artribune
Locations
- Riga
- Latvia
- Baltic states
- University of Latvia Biology Faculty
- Kristaps Morbergs residence
- Andrejsala
- Bolshevichka textile factory
- Sporta2 square
- Leima factory
- Lake Maracaibo
- Venezuela
- Japan
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Soviet Union
- Chechnya
- Ingushetia