“You shouldn’t go where there is a lot of art, you should go where there isn’t,” says the artist R. Junkers, revealing the choice of the location of the art gallery. He says that there is a need to arrange a separate place, or one of its own full load for the storage and arrangement of works of art was born a few years ago, but this year it has grown into an initiative to create it as an art stop that would be accessible to other townspeople as well. “When you have spent 40 years painting, you need both time and space to remember what you have done. That was the original plan, but later the idea arose: why not show it to others? But art cannot remain in a pile, it must be given a place. In addition, students of the art studio “Mansards” work under our wing, who also work, solve compositions, and these works must see the light of day,” said R. Junkers.
The art gallery welcomes you with a retrospective exhibition of R. Junker and K. Landau-Junker – works created in the last 20 years, made in various techniques. “For Kristina, these are collages and acrylic paintings. For me – oil works, graphics and pastel paintings, made in plein air and during trips in France, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, the USA and, of course, here in Jelgava. This time I wanted to show diversity, which essentially reflects my approach to art. I don’t paint what someone might like or need, I’m fascinated by the process, looking for new solutions in compositions, techniques, and formats of works. That’s how small graphics with stripes and squares or, for example, long horizontal paintings were born, despite various comments, R. Junkers admits. The artist explains with a smile that often the choice of technique is dictated by the painting conditions – if you go plein air by bus, you can provide yourself with canvas and oil, if it’s a flight, then – compact with pastels, but if you go with students, then they are small graphics, which is created in free moments.
“Each work has its own history, its own story, its own inspiration, but, more importantly, art speaks to people in all languages, so here everyone will have the opportunity to find and feel the one closest to them,” sums up R. Junkers.
The art gallery is located at Krišjāņa Barona Street 40, room 404, and its future working hours will be announced on the social website “Facebook”, the private page of Rait Junker and the art studio “Mansards”. There will be an opportunity to learn about current exhibitions and excursion opportunities for students. You can also contact the artist to arrange a visit by calling 29419941.
