Arta Raituma

(b 1996, Latvia. Lives and works in Riga )

In her artwork; Raituma aims to create a bridge between the past and ongoing global ecological issues; between civilized human beings and nature in its original state. “Is there a universal language and a possible cure for humankind?” her work implicitly wonders. Through interdisciplinary approach (mainly focusing on painting); Raituma creates an alternative mythology in order to remind viewers of their animal roots. She uses plywood; often juxtaposing its raw grain with synthetic media; like acrylic and alkyd enamel paint. She also uses a burning technique to create hazy visual affects. “I see a poetic contradiction between fire and wood; a symbolic collision of death and life; an enchanted alchemy.”