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Photo: riga2014.org

The "Monument Wars" installation represents the fact that Rīga has always been at a crossroad between different powers, each of which left their mark in one way or another. In the installation four symbolic monuments replace each other on the podium, thus being at 'war' for this spot. Artist Aigars Bikše calls it an "oversized wonder box".

A black skinned Barbie in a Swedish national costume emerges first, representing Sweden and the global, open society which is at the same time in touch with its roots. It is replaced by an object based on the drawing "Workers of the world unite!" by artist Gustavs Klucis, representing the Bolshevik revolution, and Russia. Next the Virgin Mary rising from the box, symbolizing religion in and Poland, and finally a sculpture of Emperor Vilhelm I of Germany.

“All of them are copies of sculptures that really exist, except one that has been created from Gustavs Klucis’ drawings. The object in Klucis’ drawings was destroyed a long time ago, but the original was used, either as an advertisement or encouragement, at a congress of the Communist Party when it was still run by Lenin.

The fourth sculpture of “Monument Wars” represents Sweden and the global, open society – it is a black Barbie dressed up as a Swedish maiden. We stumbled upon the original work by pure chance, on 'ebay'. This is true folk art. We can say that it is an artwork by an unknown artist – just as the wooden Virgin Mary is,” says the artist.

The installation is part of the Rīga 2014, European Capital of Culture programme, and will stand by the Cabinet of Ministers building until the end of October.