From May 7 to August 30, the Ola Foundation cultural space is hosting artist Francesca Kirke’s solo exhibition “Venetian Mirrors.”
Francesca Kirke is one of the most prominent and intellectually nuanced figures in Latvian contemporary art. Her works are always imbued with thought - about cultural layers, time, and memories, while sensitively perceiving the mood and current events in the world. The artist’s style is recognizable for its ability to combine visual aesthetics with deep conceptual content, creating works that invite viewers not only to observe, but also to think and feel.
The exhibition “Venetian Mirrors” is the artist’s personal attempt to formulate Venice - avoiding conventional perceptions and seeking her own unique code of Venetian colors and textures.
The exhibition features 6 large-format paintings, 11 small works, and 4 glass objects.
The artist says about the exhibition:
“Venetian Mirrors” is a challenge for both myself and the viewer - to find a way to speak about Venice while avoiding stereotypes. I find my code of Venetian colors and textures in the definition of mirrors. Venetian curved mirrors, which, according to scientists, preserve an informational and energetic imprint. In descriptions, I found that two mirrors placed opposite each other become a “time machine” - a time corridor is formed in which the boundary between the past and the future disappears. The memory of mirrors preserves centuries-old silhouettes, light and textures, intrigues, serenades, lovers’ kisses, the scents of perfumes, the smell of canal water, the shimmer of Murano glass, the smell of the fish market, and jewelry crafted by artisans - all of this is reflected in the darkened mirrors.
At just the right time, while watching a program about glassmakers on LTV, I discovered the name of the outstanding glass master Aleksandrs Logvins from the Līvāni Glass and Crafts Centre. In collaboration with him, a collection of glass objects was created for this exhibition based on my sketches, bringing together the murrine technique, pigments, and the virtuoso skill of a glassblower - I captured this process in an impressive photo session.
Another source of inspiration was once found in a small bookshop on a remote Venetian square - Donna Leon’s book “Gondola” and a CD of Venetian barcarolles performed by Cecilia Bartoli. Alongside the pleasure of listening, it also contains song lyrics in Italian and English - I have incorporated some of them into my paintings. The Italian language is a pleasure for the ears and the eyes.”
The titles of the works in the exhibition sound like musical references to this mood: “Lo specchio rotto”, “Rosso Veneciano”, “Maschera d’oro”, “Acqua alta”, “Vecchio dipinto”, “Memoria dello specchio”, “Il grande canale”.
Francesca Kirke was born in Riga and studied at the Art Academy of Latvia. Over more than three decades, her creative work has established a significant presence in Latvia’s and the international art scene. The artist has participated in exhibitions in Latvia, Europe, and the United States - including at the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Rothko Centre in Daugavpils, and galleries and museums in New York, Berlin, London, Basel, and elsewhere.
She has represented Latvia at international art fairs, including Art Basel and SCOPE, and her works are held in significant public and private collections in Latvia and abroad. In 2001, Francesca Kirke received the Gold Medal of the Artists’ Union of Latvia for her solo exhibition “Museum” at the Latvian National Museum of Art.
Exhibition dates: May 7 to August 30 at Ola Foundation, 12a Ogļu Street, Riga
Rosso Veneziano. 2025_2026 oil, gold leaf
180x130cm
Maschera d'oro. 2025_2026 mixed media, gold leaf
180x130cm
Uovo della laguna. 2025. glass,
25cm