‘More than ever we are forced to spend most of our time at home, and one of the ways to brighten up our days is to go to a museum. Museums are less crowded right now. You can truly immerse yourself without any rush and enjoy art a little longer. Museum is not just an exhibition space. It is also a place for contemplation. It is all about looking at art and then contemplating it. That is why I want to encourage everyone to use this time to go visit our museums,’ urged Egils Levits.
While visiting Pedvāle, President of Latvia met with museum director and sculptor Ojārs Feldbergs who gave Egils Levits a tour of Talsi Bush Art Group exhibition, renovated Fircks-Pedvale estate and the outdoor art installation ‘Sitting’ devoted to the 100th Anniversary of the Latvian Constitutional Assembly’s first sitting, where he ‘planted’ the symbolic stone.
‘Pedvāle is not your typical museum. It is a place where art meets philosophy, spirit meets soul. Place where national politics converge. Mr Feldbergs has used stone to convert his understanding and vision of the world, nature, soul and man into art. And, as we know, stone is a symbol of infinity. This is a very emotive and creative place. In addition, ‘Sitting’ is a sculpture field that symbolises the convocation of the Constitutional Assembly and birth of Latvian democracy hundred years ago. It is a special installation that every resident of Latvia should experience,’ said the President.
Egils Levits then visited the National Resistance Museum in Renda to honour everyone who opposed the regime throughout occupation and fought for Latvia’s freedom. In Renda, President met with historian and director of Rubenis’ Foundation, Andrejs Ķeizars, and the staff of the museum.
‘Members of the national resistance movement showed serious and fierce opposition to occupation throughout all five decades. Resistance took many forms: armed resistance right after the war until mid-1950s, different kinds of non-violent resistance that eventually grew and encompassed almost all society of Latvia. Our national memory, just like national memory of other countries, is important for us, and resistance movement is a big part of it. Eventually it led to restoration of independent Latvia. Without it, our national aspirations would wane and there would be no one to restore national independence. Mr Ķeizars and the staff responsible for running this museum are doing a very important job, job that carries national significance. I admire and highly appreciate the professionalism and comprehensiveness that this museum offers,’ said President Levits.
