As noted previously, Riga Cathedral is currently subject to its first reconstruction within 500 years. The southern chapels are being reconstructed and the tower is being reinforced by replacing and fortifying the support beams, and roof deck is being changed. The tower will also welcome seven shiny new bells.
The Ascendum association propelled the initiative via its My Dome project. The goal is to renew the link between Latvian artists and the old cathedral.
The new impressive covers were created in cooperation with the construction company Arčers and will show Paulis Liepa's art on the cathedral, reminding about the values represented by the interior and the overall architecture of Riga's iconic building.
"The cathedral has promoted the culture and art of Riga for 800 years. The artists' cooperation with the Riga Municipality has renewed in the last few years, and the best witnesses to the fact are the art exhibitions held each summer in the Riga Cathedral garden. By using the tower's reconstruction, we have turned the technical tent into an object of aesthetic value, raising the artwork 65 meters above Riga and allowing locals and guests alike to enjoy it," said Gatis Vectirāns, the co-author of the initiative and leader of the My Dome project.
Paulis Liepa (b. 1978) is considered one of the brightest graphics designers of his generation and has a distinct style. Liepa has graduated the Latvian Academy of Arts and has participated in a number of exhibitions. He is the recipient of the Grand Prix in the Graphic Art Biennial of the Baltic Sea Countries and has had his works presented at the International Print Triennial in Krakow.
