The first Riga Art Week (RAW) was concluded with strong public interest, as the creative city “Grīziņdārzs” became the epicenter of artistic activity, hosting the festival’s official opening event, which drew over 400 guests. On May 28 and 30, two exclusive events took place in our unique space, bringing together gastronomy, performance, and contemporary art in an immersive experience.
A fusion of time, space, and taste – a place where food becomes art
On May 28, “Grīziņdārzs” hosted an exclusive event — “A Gastronomic Provocation in Time and Space.” This symbiosis of performance and gastronomy — created by Skudras Metropole producer Gundega Skudriņa, Don’t Panic Design Solutions designer Mārcis Ziemiņš, and chef Ina Poliščenko — transformed food from an everyday meal into a tool for crossing the boundaries of conventional perception, prompting reflections on the passage of time, the illusion of choice, and the essence of existence.
“Gastronomic performance is a powerful medium that, through artistic expression and the symbiosis of various art forms, addresses essential themes, draws attention to pressing issues, conveys strong messages, and encourages society to think, analyze, and apply critical thinking,” emphasizes Gundega Skudriņa.
Gallery
RAW opening event lights up “Grīziņdārzs” with creativity from the Baltics
Meanwhile, on May 30, the official opening event of RAW took place, uniting music, performance, and contemporary art into a cohesive experience. The event featured three outstanding Baltic artists, each expressing their interpretation of the depth and significance of contemporary art. In the unique bunker space of “Grīziņdārzs”, visitors had the opportunity to view Emilija Škarnulytė’s video installation “Eternal Return”, which used innovative mapping technologies and symbolic metaphors to invite reflection on humanity’s history, future, and the dimensions of time.
Estonian artist Kitty Florentine performed “Balance”, an exploration of equilibrium through movement, sound, and the process of connection, allowing the audience to experience sensations that precede conscious understanding. The evening concluded with a presentation of Domenique Dumont’s latest album “Deux Paradis”, performed live in Latvia for the very first time.
Gallery
“Grīziņdārzs” is committed to supporting a variety of initiatives that not only enrich the Grīziņkalns neighborhood but also contribute to the diversity of Riga’s cultural landscape.
Looking forward to all the great events ahead!
