Rīga Photography Biennial to tackle 'awkward' topics

The contemporary art event invites visitors to view eight exhibitions and participate in several educational events. The focus of the 2023 program is “awkward” topics – things "that are often avoided or silenced because they can provoke strong emotions and disagreements," according to the festival organizers.

 

The RPB - NEXT program takes place every other year and is dedicated to young and promising artists who are still in the early stages of their creative careers from the Baltic and Nordic countries and other European countries.

 

This year, the festival will collaborate with the Ukrainian festival Odesa Photo Days, and Ukrainian artist Elena Subach has created an annual art project at Riga's public transport stops.

 

"The past two years have been spent in isolation. It has sparked many discussions about the impact such a phenomenon will have on society, including our mental health. Just as we thought we could start returning to our usual way of life, a new challenge shook the world – a war that requires us to rethink our values and clearly express our positions," reads the RPB - NEXT 2023 statement of intent.

"We consider it essential to support Ukrainian artists by giving them the opportunity to continue their creative practices and secure earnings, as well as by popularizing Ukrainian culture. In this year’s program, Ukrainian photo art professionals have been given a special share,” says the director of the Riga Photography Biennial, Inga Brūvere.

As part of the RPB - NEXT 2023 exhibitions, regular meetings, discussions, and walks with artists and curators will be held throughout the festival dates.

For more information about the Riga Photography Biennial and the NEXT 2023 program, please visit the event website at www.rpbiennial.com.