From November 8th to 30th Teapot exhibition

2024.10.25

From November 8 to 30, 2024, the Kalnciema Quarter Gallery hosts a grand exhibition of teapots created by Latvian artists.

Clay carries deep significance. It originates from the earth and has been a constant presence throughout human history, involved in both philosophical reflections and practical rituals, spanning ages and cultures.

The storage, use, and serving of food is perhaps the most common function for objects—vessels—created from clay and other ceramic materials, including porcelain, faience, stoneware, chamotte, and even glass. Yet, the ritual of storing, using, and serving food is also deeply symbolic, tied to its time, customs, and the shifting norms of culture and society. For some, herbal tea picked in meadows during rural work may be customary; for others, tea might mean a delicate infusion of green tea leaves imported from China. Some brew tea in a large pot on the stove, while others enjoy it in fine cups at afternoon tea. As new worlds are discovered, so do new beverages, like cocoa and coffee, enter our diets, bringing their unique serving vessels. Not surprisingly, in the 21st century, the profession of "food designer" engages with these meanings, products, and artifacts to create new combinations and experiences. Teapots have become one of the most popular subjects—and, perhaps, key objects—in contemporary ceramics. Important ceramic centers around the world, from Faenza in Italy, Jingdezhen in China, and Vallauris in France, to studios and kilns in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, and beyond, all hold teapot exhibitions. Many Latvian ceramicists and designers began their international careers in such exhibitions. Now, the Kalnciema Quarter Gallery presents an opportunity to explore the creative imagination and skill of over 30 Latvian artists through the form of the teapot—without leaving Latvia.

A teapot serves not only as a vessel for tea but is also a form of small-scale sculpture. Not as monumental as a public statue and not as diminutive as a museum miniature, the teapot is an ideal three-dimensional sculptural form, accessible to anyone. It’s a pleasure to appreciate its silhouette, the interplay of colors and materials, and its decorative elements as a unique work of art or to use this “sculpture” in daily rituals, serving a drink to oneself or another.

The exhibition features a vast variety of works. It spans generations, regions, and time periods, encompassing different materials, techniques, and aesthetic programs. Noteworthy is Latvian ceramicist Andrejs Ķigelis, with a clay teapot created nearly seventy years ago; his more renowned works include large decorative panels in public buildings across Riga and other Latvian cities. Also on display are works from winners of the recent 2nd World Ceramic Teapot Competition in China: Diāna Boitmane, who won a silver medal, and bronze medalists Ilona Romule and Elīna Titāne.

The porcelain teapots of Juris Bergins, Ženija Loginova, and Anatolijs Borodkins possess a sculptural form that hardly hints at their functional purpose (but they are indeed functional!). The aesthetics of the 1980s and 90s and the elegance of industrial influences are eloquently expressed in works by Dace Blūma, Valda, Podkalne, Žanete Žvīgure, Inese Margēviča, and Iveta Aigare. Contemporary industry is represented by Jānis Ronis with pieces from the “Piebalga Porcelain Factory.” Meanwhile, the distinctive artistry of Tatjana Krivenkova and Jekaterina Sazonova, Sanita Ābelīte, and Juta Rindina shines through in their unique teapots.

A special point of pride is the work of ceramicists from various regions across Latvia—Talsi, Mazsalaca, Zasa, Ventspils, Limbaži, Līgatne, Tukums, and others. Classic pieces by Ingrīda Žagata, Anda Svarāne, Diāna Dzelme, and Nauris Galviņš join pieces from the younger generation, including beautiful works by Laima Piliņa (Laima Ceramics), Sigita Olte Vītola, Linda Zelta, and Ieva Jurka.

Clay’s character juxtaposed with porcelain, fine overglaze painting against robust relief, bright vibrant colors alongside subdued, “Latvian” elegance, traditional or even ethnographic shapes alongside experimental, abstract explorations—this impressive collection reveals the wealth of talented ceramicists who have worked and continue to work in Latvia and the breadth of creative interpretation, as artists explore the familiar yet deceptively simple form of the teapot.

The exhibition features 38 artists:

Iveta Aigare, Sanita Ābelīte, Juris Bergins, Dace Blūma, Diāna Boitmane, Anatolijs Borodkins, Baiba Dumpe, Diāna Dzelme, Inese Ezertēva, Nauris Galviņš, Katerina Geiduka, Ieva Jurka, Elīna Kalēja, Tatjana Krivenkova & Jekaterina Sazonova, Jānis Kupčs, Ženija Loginova, Elvīra Mahte, Inese Margēviča, Zane Melnace, Sigita Olte Vītola, Krists Ozoliņš, Arta Ozoliņa, Laima Piliņa (Laima Ceramics), Valda Podkalne Maruta Raude, Jana Rence Rāviņa, Juta Rindina, Jānis Ronis, Ilona Romule, Līga Skariņa, Anda Svarāne, Elīna Titāne, Linda Zelta, Megija Zonne, Ingrīda Žagata, Žanete Žvīgure.

The exhibition at the Kalnciema Quarter Gallery runs from November 8 to 30, 2024. Open Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00. Admission is free. Tea tastings and discussions related to the exhibition will be held throughout, with information to be announced separately. The opening event will take place on November 7 at 18:00. To foster lively conversation, guests are encouraged to bring their favorite tea in a thermos (and a cup).

After the exhibition, the annual Ceramic Pop-Up will take place in December, providing a chance to purchase contemporary Latvian ceramics from at least 15 different artists.

The exhibition is organized by Una Meiberga (Kalnciema Quarter Ceramic Pop-Up), ceramicists Diāna Dzelme and Nauris Galviņš (Talsi Ceramics Ciparnīca), with support from the Riga Porcelain Museum.