1,5 ha

From May 28 to June 18, we invite you to the ISSP School graduates’ exhibition “1.5 ha”, which explores the themes of forest and identity. The exhibition opening will take place on May 28 at 6:30 PM in the former “MyFitness” space at Berga Bazārs. The exhibition “1,5 ha” explores the forest, a landscape that covers more than half of Latvia’s territory, shapes its identity, and remains central to contemporary economic, political, and ecological debates. The title, taken from the average amount of forest hectares per person in Latvia, highlights how this environment is both shared and deeply personal. The 14 new graduates of ISSP School explore the theme of the forest in both symbolic and material and visual ways, creating works about memory, Latvian mythology and everyday rituals, as well as creating performative installations in forest environments. The exhibition venue – the former “MyFitness” space in Berga Bazārs – allows visitors to enter a forest of images, whose expansive space also conceals deeper hidden corners. The opening of the exhibition “1.5 ha” on May 28 will be accompanied by a performance by DJ literally the moon. Throughout the exhibition, an extensive public program will also take place: - On May 30 from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the poetry readings and silent disco by “Kruumdush” will take place. During the first part of the evening, poets Elīna Vendija Rībena, Valters Liberts, and Lote Vilma Vītiņa, accompanied by ambient music, will guide listeners into the world of nature. Later, the subdued atmosphere will give way to the pulsating rhythms of “Kruumdush” and DJ Jaunība. The event is inspired by the “bush doof” culture of Australia and New Zealand, simulating the untamed power of nature within an urban environment and allowing visitors to lose themselves in sound. - On June 10 at 6:30 PM, there will be a screening of Krista Burāne’s documentary-musical film “All Birds Sing Beautifully”. The film tells the story of the rapid disappearance of bird species in Latvia and Europe, including species that have been honored in folk songs for centuries. Before the screening, the director will give an introduction about the relevance of the topic and ecological issues in contemporary society. - On June 13 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, a forest sound meditation with Marta Līce will take place. Participants will be invited to experience the forest in the middle of the city under the guidance of music therapist Marta Līce, who will create a relaxing natural environment through imitations of nature sounds. Participants are asked to bring their own exercise mat. Optionally, they may also bring an eye mask, pillow, and blanket. The meditation will conclude with tea and conversation. Artists: Dāvis Drēziņš, Daiga Feldorfa, Inese Gintere, Elizabete Gražule, Raimonds Kiršteins, Ksenija Kumačova, Viktorija Maško, Jānis Mickevičs, Elza Neimane, Santa Helēna Pedele, Ilze Romanovska-Ūdre, Madara Rutkēviča, Anastasija Šnepe-Šnepe, Baiba Vītola Curator: Iveta Gabaliņa Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 16:00–20:00 Sat – Sun: 12:00–18:00 Address: Marijas Street 13 k-8 Sponsors: Swiss Flavours, Rilak, Hanzas maiznīca, Ziedu vija, Valmiermuiža, Vieta skolai, Ziedu skapis, Līko smeķis, Airitas kūkas, Birzī, Berga bazārs and RAW.