The paintings of Latvian artist Ieva Bondare will be exhibited at the Embassy of Latvia Art Space from May 6-June 1, 2011." HOURS THE EXHIBIT WILL BE OPEN IN MAY: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Memorial Day - May 30 Will be open Wed. June 1 (complete dates in June to follow) Location: Embassy of Latvia Art Space 2304 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC ABOUT THE EXHIBIT AND THE ARTIST “Moments of Happiness” is a series of paintings that represent the most recent creative endeavor by Ieva Bondare. These paintings are experimental in their nature and have been conceived as a part of a larger conceptual project exploring the means by which the artist relates to the viewer in the contemporary cultural context. The intention and meaning of “Moments of Happiness” can be best perceived when paintings are viewed in relationship to one another. All of these works were created by the artist while pursuing advanced studies in paining at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. Part of our contemporary everyday reality is being subjected to relentless and competing flows of information. Images, sound-bites and events flash by our consciousness with such intensity that attracting the attention of a potential audience requires significant effort on the part of the artist. Contemporary art, therefore, often resorts to use of violent and disturbing imagery, discordant color palettes and mostly critical commentary on the ethical aspects of our lives. Ieva Bondare rejects this approach and has challenged herself to communicate the meaning of her art through different means. The artist is concerned about the permeating presence of negative emotion and messages within the cultural and the everyday realm, and wants to speak out against the growing sense of individual and collective weakness in face of this phenomenon. “I wanted to present the viewer with a renewed sense of strength through symbols”, says the artist. She firmly believes that such strength is present in every one of us as a latent emotional force. The underlying goal of “Moments of Happiness” is to engender a sense of pride and self-esteem within the viewer. “Feelings do not lie”, says Ieva Bondare and adds that “harmony can only be achieved through fulfillment of oneself”. The “Moments of Happiness” paintings are an invitation to seek positive outlook through interpersonal relationships and appreciation of the beauty of our world. In addition to painting, Ieva Bondare is also passionate about photography. “Moments of Happiness” is her first experiment in interdisciplinary art production. There are two main components within every painting of the “Moments of Happiness” series: a printed photographic image of sincere emotional expression and a painted field that surrounds it. It is important to note that none of the photographic images have been staged or digitally re-touched. Ieva Bondare works relentlessly throughout the series to integrate photography and painting into a cohesive work of art. From painting to painting, she daringly experiments with a variety of color palettes and techniques of oil color application to the dual-textured surface of her artwork. Ieva Bondare has always aimed to achieve bright, expressive color palettes and rich textures in her work. Paintings in the “Moments of Happiness” series represent her exploration of various compositional and color strategies, while maintaining the overall goal of positive image association and emotional communication. The composition of subject matter can be centered and laid back or asymmetric and full of energy. The tonalities employed range from light and ephemeral to deep and saturated with bright contrasts, frequent use of undiluted color and opposite colors. According to the artist herself, the most important ‘lesson learned’ is to know when to stop painting. Ieva Bondare is studying for a Master’s degree in Fine Art at the Art Academy of Latvia (Prof. Aleksejs Naumovs: master class). She is also currently studying at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (Prof. Elaine Spatz-Rabinowitz: advanced painting class). She has received a Bachelor of Science degree from Art Academy of Latvia (2010) and also holds a bachelor degree in Philology from University of Latvia (2001). Her work has been exhibited in art venues and galleries throughout Latvia. written by Krists Karklins, Architect and Urban Designer Short biographic reference for Ieva Bondare: Education 2011 – Present School of the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston, Massachusetts) 2010 – Present Art Academy of Latvia, Master’s degree in Fine Art (Riga, Latvia) 2006 – 2010 Art Academy of Latvia, Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities (Riga, Latvia) 1996 – 2001 University of Latvia, Bachelor of Arts in Philology (Riga, Latvia) Exhibitions Color. Line. Form – Art Academy of Latvia graduate show in Riga Art Space (2010) Jarmarka – Art Academy of Latvia student work exhibition (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006) Hunting – graphic arts exhibition in Valmiera and Cesis (2009) Gallery Laipa in Valmiera (2008)