“Lioness” exhibited in Sculptura #2 in Brussels
Sculptor Aigars Bikše is participating in the "Sculptura #2" festival in Brussels with the sculpture "Lioness".
At the Sculptura #2 festival in Brussels, Aigars Bikše's nearly three-meter-high wooden sculpture "Lioness" is exhibited. The festival, taking place from January 19 to March 10, 2024, promises to be a celebration of contemporary sculpture, bringing together 38 artists from more than 20 countries.
Aigars Bikše, known for his interactive sculptures and installations in public spaces, often incorporates historical, culturally specific, and political references. The sculpture "Lioness" was created for the exhibition at the "Daugava" gallery in Riga, Latvia, curated by Anda Treija. The sculpture depicts a lioness engaged in a dramatic movement above a pile of building debris. "Lioness" emphasizes the significance, recognition, and appreciation of feminine strength in contemporary society. The heraldic image of a lion is visible in the coat of arms of Riga. The yellow lioness above the ruins symbolizes the end of a system and the tension caused by changes in the formation of a new, equality-based society. The image of "Lioness" encourages reflection on changes in thinking and new interpretations of collective memory.
The sculpture is made of wood and painted, with dimensions of 268x400x210 cm.
Sculptura #2 festival promotes diverse expressions of sculpture, aiming to stimulate dialogue, provoke reflection, and celebrate achievements in contemporary sculpture. Aigars Bikše on participating in Sculptura #2: "I am honored to participate in this festival and delighted to exhibit "Lioness" to art enthusiasts in Brussels. This sculpture reflects feminine strength and resilience, and I hope it resonates with the audience. Additionally, in the context of the war in Ukraine, the yellow lioness above the ruins enters a new space of interpretation."
About the Sculptura #2 festival: Sculptura #2 is an annual contemporary sculpture festival that gathers artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts from across Europe. The festival aims to showcase the diversity of contemporary sculptural expressions, foster artistic dialogue, and create a platform for the exchange of ideas on both local and international scales.
Photo: Tania Beilfuss