Azari zyli i bazneicys boltys

A photo exhibit „Azari zyli i bazneicys boltys” (from Latgalian – “Blue Lakes and White Churches”) will be on the display in the Embassy of Latgale GORS, during the time from February 21 to March 25, 2015.

Iveta, Silvija, Jānis and Valdis – they are connected by two common things – photography and Latgale. All four of them take photos and all four have their roots set in Latgale. This was the reason for this exhibit to be created – Latgalians telling about Latgale. Iveta and Jānis displays the nature of Latgale, Silvija – the result of the campaign "Viena diena Susāju pagastā" (“One Day in Susāji Parish”), Valdis – Latgalians and the environment around them.  

The family home of Iveta Tumaševiča`s father is located in Preiļi area, actual Riebiņi district. She can be met there every summer, as she had fallen in love with this home and beautiful nature. She had studied in Rīga. She had been actively involved in drawing during her school studies and even past that. However, after the development of the digital photo, she preferred working with the photo camera. Photography is the way of expression, which let each of us reveal and show something special to others, receive some positive emotions and share them with the viewers. This time, she participated in the exhibition with the photos of Latgale landscapes. She loves taking pictures of the still life, where she can implement the fantasy and express herself, as well as include the images of people, especially, the ones coming from the countryside.   

During a high school studies, in 80`s, Jānis Staris had an opportunity to get involved in the photo group in Jēkabpils, the leader of which during that time was Aivars Āķis. While being a student, Jānis earned his pocket money taking photos of funerals and weddings. However, after a while, they became tedious, even making him abstain the photography itself for a time. Now he is glad if not only he, but also his friends find the photo interesting. This is the first time he takes a part in an exhibit, therefore, he has no recognitions yet.

The first photos of Silvija Danelsone were taken on the first day of school – when attending the first class on September 1. The photos taken during the school day were quickly developed at home, in order to let them dry while she was attending the music school and preparing her homework. The photos were made later, in the dark, so she could take them to the school the following day. After this, photo camera was set aside for a while, as she got involved in some other activities and hobbies. She was affected by photography more than a hobby during 90`s, when walking by the photo club “Rīga”, she noticed the sign advertising the photo courses under the leadership of photographers Zigurds Bilzoņs and Gunārs Binde. During the winter, when it was dark and grey outside, the took a pictures of the still lifes and the photos of the smoke, during the summer time – the sceneries, but the photos of journeys were made while traveling. Silvija is still the member of “Rīga” photo club. She has had personal exhibits – displayed in Tukums, Warsaw, Rīga, Ludza and Liepāja. Silvija has participated in numerous group exhibitions, the courses of FIAP patronage saloon and has received the awards in 2012 – the title of the AFIAP.

The first time when Vladislavs Kundziņš introduced himself to mysteries of photography was in photo group while studying in 5th grade. The interest of photography born at school, has remained the same till the nowadays. His first photo camera was „Smena – 2”. During the times of studies, he purchased „Zenit E” and successfully involved in documentation of the processes of studies, practical experience, parties, everyday life, and other occasions. After the appearance of the digital cameras, the interest of photo art became even stronger. He mostly took photos of the scenery, birds, animals, bugs, flowers, and various macro shots. His first success was in 1976, when on the competition “Students on the Builder Divisions” one of his photos received the prize and was published in the newspaper “The Soviet Youth”. During the last years, he has successfully participated in the annual competitions “My Bird”, organized by Latvian Museum of Natural History. He has participated five times and has received five prizes. He actively takes a part in the exhibitions as a member of the group “Lieliskie fotodraugi” (“Excellent Photo Friends”).