MEETING WITH - art collection of Filips Klavins

Cultural space Ola Foundation continues the tradition of opening private collections to the wider public, offering a unique opportunity to look into artworks that would otherwise remain only in the sight of their owners. This time, viewers will have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the art collections of the well-known lawyer, art and cultural grandmother Filips Klavins, “MEETING WITH” exhibition, which provides personal and historical insights into Latvian painting and the work of exiled artists. From April 4, more than 60 artworks will be on display at the Ola Foundation exhibition, which will reveal the wealth of Latvian art, from works by Janis Rozentals, Janis Tidemanis, Konrads Urbans, Eduards Kalnins, Rudolfs Pinnis, Janis Pauluks to paintings by outstanding exiled Latvian artists reflecting the diversity of Latvian art history. The private collection is based on works by Friedrihs Milts, Janis Cielava and Kurts Fridrihsons. These authors, who lived and worked in the US and Latvia, reflect different directions and eras of painting. Philip Klavini stresses that his collection is not modelled on a prior plan, but has evolved organically based on personal tastes, a sense of art and personal encounters with artists. “The artworks in my collection are not only aesthetic value, but emotional and personal stories,” says Klavins. His life experience and family history are closely related to art – father Dr. Janis Klavins, professor of medicine and solo singer, and mother Minjona Klavina, sculptor, were active in the New York arts and Latvian exile environment. One special highlight of the exhibition is the painting of Friedrich Milt (1906-1993). His urban landscapes, inspired by Manhattan skyscrapers, offer a unique view of the urban setting. The exhibition features nearly 30 Milt works, many of them devoted to New York motives. Janis Cielava (1890 –1968), for his part, reveals his diverse handwriting – from dance and vibrant compositions to exquisite quiet nature. Cielav was an acclaimed portrait painter who studied and worked in Germany, Austria and New York throughout his career. Kurt Fridrichson (1911-1991), who was an important figure in Latvian art history, has a special place in the collection. Klavini got to know him personally in the early 1990 s and received the artist's work “There's a lot of pathways” as a gift on his 30 th birthday. The exhibition features Friedrichson's felt-tip drawings and two unique oil paintings -- rarely exposed works from the origins of his fiction.The exhibition will also offer an opportunity to explore other exiled Latvian artists, including Carli Neili (1906-1991), who studied at Professor Gederti Elias's mastershop and later worked in Austria.Meanwhile, from contemporary art representatives, Anita Kreituse and Francesca Kirke's works will be on display at the exhibition. Special emphasis is also placed on the sculpture of Munion Klavini (mother of Philip Klavini), represented by a sculpture from the Latvian national Museum of Art.T he “MEETING WITH ” exhibition at the Ola Foundation premises will be open from April 4 to July 20, 2025.