Exhibition “Missing Children” by Estere Zemite

From May 28 to June 13 Estere Zemite's solo exhibition “Missing Children” will be at the Kalnciema Quarter gallery. 

Estere Zemite is a painter and social worker, graduated from the Painting Department of the Latvian Academy of Arts in 1997 with a master's degree in art, and the School of Social Work "Attistība" in 2003 with a master's degree in social work. Estere's solo exhibitions have taken place both in Riga and in other Latvian cities, of which the largest exhibition in 2018 was held at the VEF Culture Palace in Riga. Her paintings are in both museum and private collections in Latvia and abroad.

Since April 2018, Estere has been working as a social worker in Kapseļu Street “Rīga”, where 30 children live, of which 20 children have been left without parental care. All children have severe disabilities. Children are aged 5-18. They are excluded from society both because of their disability and because they do not have parents who can protect them, stand up for them and fight for them. Childcare is provided in the care center, but even the best conditions cannot replace the love and care of parents. Portraits are Estere's way of showing each child's beauty, uniqueness, brilliance that the child brings to the world. It is a way of saying that a child with a disability is the same as everyone else, only needs more support, special support and care not only from the nearest carers, but also from the surrounding community - from schools, from doctors, from fellow human beings. Like any child, children with disabilities bring great joy into our lives when we meet the child without prejudice and open our doors. Portraits are a reminder to all of us - every child is waiting for their family in the care center - people who will take care of the child lovingly, guide him through the child's joys and pains, give security, stability and development, which is not and will not be possible in the institution.

The portraits of children in the exhibition have been made during the last year. They are painted on canvas in acrylic and pastel techniques.

The exhibition can be seen in the Kalnciema Quarter gallery until June 13, every day from 10 AM to 6 PM, except Sundays. Free entrance.

The opening of the exhibition will take place on May 28 from 6 to 8 PM. When visiting the exhibition, please observe the distance, wash and disinfect your hands, as well as observe all necessary safety regulations.