Coffee with the Oracle
Exhibition, readings, performances
What lessons have you taken from the changes that have taken place in Latvia and worldwide?
According to a survey, ‘[economic] crisis’ (along with ‘vintage’, which remains unsurpassed) is among last year’s top ten most hated words. A ‘crisis’ is undeniably an unpleasant thing, but, since we are in the grips of the idealism and boisterousness of youth, we see these changes as an unmissable opportunity to start bringing some long-cherished plans to life. We have created a space in the quiet centre of Riga – a café for concerts, performances, poetry readings, exhibitions and various creative processes; a platform not only for well-known artists but also for a new generation of creatively minded people.
How does your project for SURVIVAL KIT 2 relate to the theme of the festival?
During SURVIVAL KIT 2, Taka will host an exhibition, which will culminate in an auction at the end of the week. Visitors will also be able to have coffee with the Oracle, take part in a creative workshop and attend poetry readings (in collaboration with Poetry Days), enjoy concerts and a tape disco (in collaboration with Skaņu Mežs), help cook a common meal and do yoga. Taka is participating in the festival with the installation Coffee with the Oracle, which is a potential solution to the current trend of seeking answers with fortune tellers and astrologers and thus evading responsibility. We will also offer a sewing workshop, where each participant will have an opportunity to make their own Worry Dolls according to Mayan tradition – any troubles told to such a doll at night will be gone by the morning.
Why haven’t you left yet?
We’ve already made it back – and we’re back to work, of course!