Long Day
Animation, 4 min, 2012
Work was created in collaboration with HIAP “Paths Crossing” project
In what appears to be a single shot of a rural landscape scene, one observes a sped-up day from dawn till sunset. In the morning, a shed is being built in the middle distance. The acceleration is such that no people can be seen, only the building process. Come noon, the structure is complete and a moment later the forces of nature start taking their toll. Rain, sun and winds gradually ruin the structure. Eventually it collapses and the sun sets.
Artist's Bio:
Krišs Salmanis uses animation, video, photography, objects as well as his body, trees etc in his art. However, it is neither the media used, nor the unifying themes, but rather the employed method what characterizes the work of Krišs Salmanis.
In Latvian there is not an appropriate synonym for the word „joke” to denote that the element, which in Krišs Salmanis’ work can be perceived as irony or humour, is instead mental excersise, intellectual activity, wit as a twist of thought.
Another important aspect is formulated best by the artist himself, using Kurt Vonnegut’s idea of the complicated futility. The making of Krišs Salmanis’ work is often seemingly unnecessarily time- and effort-consuming. It is a kind of self-invented craftsmanship, which, even if unnoticed by the spectator, is a vital component of the final piece. The work of Krišs Salmanis is the process of thinking and the way of passing one’s life.
K. Salmanis has obtained an MA from the Department of Visual Communication at the Art Academy of Latvia (2003), and has undertaken additional studies in Cologne Art Academy Media Department. Salmanis’ works have been exhibited in Latvia and abroad since 1996; his works are included in the collections of the Contemporary Art Museum of Latvia as well as the National Museum of Estonia. (Z.Z.)