Other events in Baltic States

At 14:00 on Tuesday, 10 May, the Humanities’ and Social Sciences’ Reading Room of the National Library of Latvia (Level 2) will see the unveiling of the large-scale artwork Latvijas karogs (Latvian flag) in the presence of Latvia’s President Raimonds Vējonis, Georgia’s Ambassador to Latvia Teimuraz Janjalia and Nancy Bikoff Pettit, the United States’ Ambassador to Latvia. The work of art is a gift to Latvia, on the occasion of the 97th anniversary of independence, from its creator, Georgian-American artist David Datuna and will remain on permanent display.

Artist David Datuna will himself attend the event, making a special visit to Latvia from the United States.

In November 2015, David Datuna presented the work to President Raimonds Vējonis at the opening event of the ART RIGA international art festival. Following an initiative of the President's Chancellery, the artwork will be entrusted to the National Library of Latvia (NLL).

“[...] The flag is the national symbol of every nation – and our own red-white-red flag embodies independence and the determination to be free and to dare. This work of art calls for each of us to look more closely, not only at ourselves and our country, but also its history. It symbolises Latvian history and through these lenses, helps us better see our country as well as the people and events that have helped to build it” Latvian President Raimonds Vējonis.

“We are pleased that world-renowned foreign artists are promoting and honouring Latvian history, our culture and national symbols. This gift is a unique example, affirming that artistic expression transcends borders and brings together countries and societies, as well as cultures. The National Library of Latvia will make sure that everyone becomes aware of this fact, both visitors to the library and people all over the world!” NLL Director Andris Vilks.

Latvijas karogs is based on the use of positive and negative optical lenses placed over a collage of images depicting important events, places and people in Latvia’s history and the struggle for national freedom.

Artist David Datuna was born in Tbilisi, Georgia on 10 February 1974. He currently lives and works in New York. David Datuna has gained wide recognition with his Viewpoints of Millions series of art works, which explore symbols of national identity and their meanings.

This gift has been implemented with the involvement of Galina Maksimova and Dags Vidulejs, organisers of the ART RIGA international art festival.