Jaanus Samma, Riga Postcards, 2020. Installation, digital print on silk, metal stands, flower arrangement. Supported by Embassy of Estonia, Riga. Courtesy of the artist, commissioned by the 2nd Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art, RIBOCA2. Still from ‘and suddenly it all blossoms’
Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art
https://www.rigabiennial.com
The International Biennial Association (IBA) together with Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art (RIBOCA) invites cultural and art institutions across the world to apply for screening of the RIBOCA2 film and suddenly it all blossoms.
For the first time in the world, a contemporary art biennial was translated into cinematic language, allowing people who couldn’t travel to Riga in 2020 to experience the exhibition. The film that was born out of the unprecedented situation of a pandemic, follows a voice whose perspective on our disconcerting situation unfolds as a meditation, guided and prompted by the exhibition’s present, and absent, artworks. Presented as one continuous shot, the film reflects a world suspended on the threshold between old and new times.
We invite institutions to apply for hosting the screening at their premises. RIBOCA will provide the organisations with the film file, subtitles (currently available in English, French, German, Russian and Latvian), press-kit and visual materials. We encourage you to also plan and host a discussion on the film, future of art exhibitions and other topics afterwards.
Nina Beier, Total Loss, 2020, site-specific installation, marble lions, milk, performance. Commissioned by the Riga International Biennial of Conatemporary Art, RIBOCA2. Supported by Danish Arts Foundation and Danish Cultural Institute. Photo by Andrejs Strokins. Courtesy of the Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art.
In order to apply for the screening, please send an e-mail to hello@rigabiennial.com, and we will provide you with a film file in line with your technical needs. Please learn more about the film here: https://rigabiennial.com/en/film
In autumn 2021 the film premiered in Basel, London, Riga, Moscow, Berlin, Paris, and Athens; in-person screenings were followed by an online premiere for four days. The making of the film was supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia and State Culture Capital Foundation of Latvia. The online premiere and the screenings in Berlin, London, Moscow, Paris, Basel were supported by Baltic Culture Fund (BCF) and Investment and Tourism Agency of Riga “Live Riga”.
The Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art (RIBOCA) was founded in 2016. Taking the rich history of Riga and the Baltic states as its underlying framework, the Biennial highlights the artistic landscape of the wider region. The first edition of the Biennial was launched in June 2018, curated by Katerina Gregos. The second edition in 2020 was curated by Rebecca Lamarche-Vadel. RIBOCA3 that will run from 15 July 2022 – 2 October 2022 in Riga, Latvia, is curated by the legendary René Block. Working alongside Block, Nico Anklam will act as associate curator.
For a trailer of and suddenly it all blossoms please follow the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54vEs4cDnME
Ugo Rondinone, life time, 2019, plywood, paint, 10.15 m (w), text 161.5 cm (h). Courtesy of Ugo Rondinone and kamel mennour, Paris/London. Supported by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and Embassy of Switzerland, Riga. Photo by Andrejs Strokins. Courtesy of the Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art.
