Opening of the Contemporary Art Competition Exhibition “How Much Is It Worth?”

From 13 November to 30 December, the contemporary art competition exhibition “How Much Is It Worth?” will be on view at Bulduru Izstāžu nams (Muižas iela 6, Jūrmala). The exhibition explores the concept of value in today’s world, prompting reflection on what shapes our hierarchy of values and how time, experience and social developments influence what we consider valuable. It will feature works by 37 artists, selected from 125 submissions. The competition aims to encourage artists’ creativity and promote Jūrmala as a contemporary cultural space. The submissions were judged by art historian Baiba Guste, art historian Guntars Gritāns and artist Sandra Strēle. The participating artists represent different generations and levels of artistic experience: alongside professional artists, works will also be exhibited by emerging talents from art schools and higher education institutions. The exhibition includes works in a range of media, including painting, sculpture, textile art and graphic art. The selected works address a broad range of issues relevant to people today: individual and societal value systems, self-worth, identity and our relationship with the world around us. The artists prompt reflection on the relationship between material and non-material values, the balance between people and nature, the meaning of life, and the influence of technology on our perception and daily lives. The works also explore fear, vulnerability, loneliness, the value of work and time, and the ability to preserve humanity, compassion and personal freedom in a changing world.

Baiba Guste, chair of the competition jury, art historian, discusses the exhibition’s thematic diversity and the artists’ engagement with contemporary questions of value: “As particularly sensitive interpreters of their era, artists intuitively sense the world’s vibrations, moods and contradictory changes, and their competition submissions reflect one of today’s paradigms—the search for balance. Using the language of contemporary art and working in keeping with their individual styles, they address the relationship between absolute and subjective values, balancing desires, experience and skills as they seek what endures in a changing world. In contrast to the prevailing social tendency to judge people by their achievements, the number of followers or clicks on various online platforms, and material gain, artists draw attention to the true significance of seemingly simple yet deeply personal moments, nature, inspiration and creativity. Artworks become spaces in which to seek balance between doubt, the desire to please, brutality, and the yearning for authenticity and the search for deeper meaning.”

The winner of the “How Much Is It Worth?” competition will receive the €700 grand prize, while two artists will each receive an encouragement prize of €400. The awarded artists will have the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at Bulduru Izstāžu nams in the coming years. Exhibition visitors will also be able to vote for their favourite. The audience award winner will be announced on 12 December and will receive €300. The exhibition opening and award ceremony will take place