Postnuptial Feast
Video installation
What have you learnt from the changes in Latvia and globally in the last few years?
I have been fortunate not to have been affected by changes in the economic, social and political environment, or in the ecology. It’s a shame that many of my friends have left to live abroad, but I am convinced that they’ll return, because the atmosphere in Riga has become increasingly more pleasant. New cosy and relaxed cafes and unusual little shops are opening. Materials are reclaiming their value. It seems that dressmakers, repair workshops and other older professions are regaining their status. People value things which last for a long time over short-term consumables.
How does your project for SURVIVAL KIT 2 relate to the festival theme?
I decided to work at the weekends over summer professionally filming weddings. (One of the ways in which video artists can survive!) I started filming weddings as one of the most important and intense events of a person’s life. From the 70-hours of material it would be possible to make a documentary on wedding traditions, but this time it seemed more significant to show the atmosphere which is created, not by looking at the people having a drink as one large mass, but by paying attention to each one individually. A thoughtful person, an unhappy person, a lonely person and a shy person.. I think the main theme of SURVIVAL KIT is man today. Whatever might change in the surrounding environment, people will still get married, have children and die.
Why haven’t you left Latvia?
I’ve never even considered leaving Latvia. My family, work and home are here.