We have gathered here today to bid farewell to Džemma Skulma, a brilliant artist and major cultural figure of Latvia. As we grieve and say final goodbye, we also praise and honour Džemma Skulme, her rich and diverse life, her art and role in our culture. And her humanity, too.
We admire her for the ability to remain relevant till the end, ability to decipher and master contemporary language and media both in art and her private life. Something that only a sharp, visionary and creative mind can do.
Džemma Skulme had several equally pronounced talents. Her dazzling and captivating works of monumental art have already become a timeless Latvian art classic. But I will leave it to her peers from art community to describe her art. You are much more qualified than me to give an elaborate account of her professional life.
We all know Džemma as a highly ambitious and skilful leader. She has been in charge of the Latvian Artists’ Union. As its president, she set and promoted various trends in Latvian art and gradually evolved into an influential public figure.
Due to her larger than life personality, Džemma Skulme’s opinion had influence on many. You just could not miss or ignore her thoughts. Be those remarks at an art gallery or public comments on an art world phenomenon, her thoughts were always fresh, exciting and concise. Despite restrictions imposed at the time, her thoughts transcended the time and reality she was forced to live in.
Like many in her generation, Džemma Skulme’s most productive years coincided with the Soviet Union. So, in one way or another she had to make certain concessions with the foreign power that ruled Latvia. As Džemma Skulme herself describes it, you were constantly forced to find delicate balance between complex contradictions and intense dilemmas, ‘you had to adapt to find yourself and simultaneously lose yourself in the process’.
Her sharp mind and thoughts sought clarity and purity towards the end of her life. She was not afraid of self-criticism and self-reflection. And she was no shy about making them public either. Throughout most of her life, she had this fierce conversation with herself and with the age in which she lived. She is a kind of person you will rarely find in any society and that makes her demise a great loss for the whole of Latvia.
In her prime, Džemma Skulme was the epitome of a Latvian woman. She embodied the European and Western way of life which was prohibited here in Latvia at the time. Despite all the hardship, she exhibited the Latvian identity and values, she knew how to bring them to the fore and make everyone recognise them. And we should thank Džemma Skulme for that. She has always been admired for her moral stance and dignity.
I got to know Džemma Skulme through her numerous public and political activities during the Awakening. She never faltered in her commitment to her nation and country, Latvia. It required courage and willingness to risk. The first congress of the Popular front of Latvia was held at the Latvian Artists’ Union. Džemma Skulme, of course, as its president was responsible for all possible consequences. And she did not shy away and carried it proudly. She was a member of the Popular Front herself, as well.
She was not afraid to go against the grain when necessary. In 1989, she was elected the to the USSR Congress of People’s Deputies from Latvian Popular Front. She USSR Congress of People's, of course, was a pseudo-parliament. Everyone was always expected to unanimously vote in favour. She was one of those who for the first time voted against, shocking and surprising everyone at the time. Even Gorbachev asked if there was a mistake. And it was said: ‘No. There was no mistake’.
I will personally be forever grateful to outstanding artist Džemma Skulme for devoting her life to Latvian culture, art, public activism and the state of Latvia.
Rest in peace, Džemma Skulme.
My deepest condolences to the family, son, daughter, grandchildren, friends and admirers of her talent. Everyone who felt Džemma Skulme was part of them, a kindred soul.
