Masterclass “The Symbiosis of Art and Ethnography: Latest Insights from LAA Researchers”

As part of the project “Ethnographer, Society, Art: The Symbiosis of Ethnology and Art and the Discourse of Soviet Colonialism in Latvia,” a masterclass will be held on December 12, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, in Room 16 of the Latvian Academy of Art (LAA). During the event, the research team from the Latvian Academy of Art will present their latest findings.

• Una Valtere and Santa Sleikša will share their reflections on the challenges and conclusions from the digitalization process of diploma works by graduates of the Textile Art (1967–1990) and Ceramics (1949–1990) departments. They will also showcase the datasets created, which compile materials from the LAA Methodological and Information Center archives.
• Jānis Kalnačs will provide an overview of research into the significance of the Latvian folk art course during the Soviet period, focusing specifically on the tenure of art scholar Gundega Ivanova (1965–1991).

At the start of 2024, LAA researchers began exploring ethnographic themes in courses taught and diploma works developed at the academy. Over the year, two datasets were created, detailing diploma works in textile art and ceramics. Archival research was conducted to reconstruct the folk art course taught by Gundega Ivanova from the 1960s to the 1980s, which may have influenced the direction of some diploma works.

We invite all interested to join the research masterclass to learn about the researchers' work over the past year and to engage in discussions by asking questions.