Other events in Baltic States

The first newly-established art award, named after the outstanding Latvian 20th century painter Vilhelms Purvitis, was presented last night to Katrina Neiburga, informs LETA.

Neiburga was nominated for her works "Topologija 29” (displayed in Riga) and "Solitude" (Moscow and Finland).

On February 11, Vilhems Purvitis Award was bestowed for the first time; the awards ceremony took place in the Latvian National Museum of Art.

Altogether, eight nominees were selected for the very first Purvitis Award for outstanding achievement in the visual arts in 2007 and 2008.

The 2007 nominees were: Gints Gabrans for the Latvian pavilion’s exposition ("Paramirrors”) at the 52nd annual Venice Biennial; Helena Heinrihsone for her solo exhibit "Sveiks, Kurmi!” (Hi, Mole!) in the Latvian National Museum of Art; Ieva Iltnere for her solo exhibit "Astonas istabas” (Eight Rooms) in Riga Gallery and Neiburga.

The 2008 nominees were: Andris Eglitis for his solo exhibit "Zem debess juma” (Under Heaven’s Skies); Eriks Bozis for the work "Sheltering Sky” from the exhibit "Instrukcija"; Sarmite Malina and Kristaps Kalns for the art object "Milestiba nekad nebeidzas” (Love Never Ends), displayed at the Cesis Arts Festival and Miks Mitrevics for his work "Personu kolekcija”, displayed at a number of events locally and abroad.

The Purvitis Award competition is organized by the the Latvian National Museum of Art in cooperation with the museum’s patron Alfor Ltd., and they intend to continue the competition annually for the next 10 years.

The winner of the Purvitis Award, sponsored by Alfor Ltd., receives LVL 20,000.

Vilhelms Purvitis (1872-1945) has been called the most outstanding 20th century artist in Latvia. Over a short period of time at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, he became one of the most popular artists in the Baltic States and successfully participated in exhibitions all over Europe. Purvitis also became the first rector of the Latvian Arts Academy.