Material Collaborations: Returning Ina Stūre to the History of Latvian Photography
Presentation Type
Presentation
Start Date
8-3-2025 1:00 PM
Description
Liana Ivete Zilde, Visual culture researcher and Ph.D. student, Art Academy of Latvia, Riga
Material Collaborations: Returning Ina Stūre to the History of Latvian Photography
Current attempts to provide a narrative of the history of photography in Latvia entail a simultaneous writing and rewriting of history – filling in the gaps of current knowledge, while reevaluating prior practices of inclusion and exclusion. Decolonizing the politics of representation includes several layers: critically reassessing the Soviet viewpoint and patriarchal approach, as well as today's Western-centric value judgments, which can dismiss local specificity. The 2024 exhibition Contemporary Histories of Photography at the International Summer School of Photography Gallery in Riga was an attempt to grapple with these issues.
In preparation for the exhibition, contemporary artist Kristīne Krauze-Slucka spent significant time rediscovering the archive of photographer Ina Stūre (1958-2006). Virtually unheard of today, Stūre created experimental, graphic works that reflect themes of identity and creative freedom in the politically turbulent 1980s and 1990s, during Latvia's return to independence. Amid post-Soviet material scarcity, Stūre creatively utilized materials like hair and fabric dyes, as well as techniques like collage, defying the “straight photography” trend of the time. Krauze-Slucka focuses on Stūre's complete archive – including works with an artistic aim, often set in a staged, aestheticized dreamworld created by Stūre in collaboration with her friends. Conversely, vernacular snapshots of the artist's family life and countryside home unveil her role as a mother and the challenging circumstances in which her artistic activity took place. Besides questioning why certain artists have faded or are deemed unworthy of official versions of history, Krauze-Slucka's work serves as an example of artistic research as care, in which materiality acts as a bridge across generations, being of key significance for both artists. This talk will also shed light on their respective creative concerns and constraining hierarchies, critically contextualizing this story within the wider process of rewriting the photographic history of Latvia and Baltic region.
Liāna Ivete Žilde is a visual culture researcher based in Riga, Latvia, focusing on the social meanings and uses of photography. Works at the ISSP contemporary photography platform, studying for a PhD at the Art Academy of Latvia, where she is also a research assistant. Previously obtained master’s degrees in cultural and social anthropology and curatorial studies. Lectures in visual anthropology, writes articles on photography and visual culture and participates in various interdisciplinary projects. Together with Anete Ušča, created the publication Baltic Stories: A Visual Guide to Spaces of Culture (2021) as well as hosting Augsne, a radio show on local cultural initiatives.
Relational Format
Conference proceeding
Recommended Citation
Zilde, Liana Ivete, "Material Collaborations: Returning Ina Stūre to the History of Latvian Photography" (2025). Women of Photography: A 24-Hour Conference-a-thon Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025. 38.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/womenofphotography/2025/schedule/38
Material Collaborations: Returning Ina Stūre to the History of Latvian Photography
Liana Ivete Zilde, Visual culture researcher and Ph.D. student, Art Academy of Latvia, Riga
Material Collaborations: Returning Ina Stūre to the History of Latvian Photography
Current attempts to provide a narrative of the history of photography in Latvia entail a simultaneous writing and rewriting of history – filling in the gaps of current knowledge, while reevaluating prior practices of inclusion and exclusion. Decolonizing the politics of representation includes several layers: critically reassessing the Soviet viewpoint and patriarchal approach, as well as today's Western-centric value judgments, which can dismiss local specificity. The 2024 exhibition Contemporary Histories of Photography at the International Summer School of Photography Gallery in Riga was an attempt to grapple with these issues.
In preparation for the exhibition, contemporary artist Kristīne Krauze-Slucka spent significant time rediscovering the archive of photographer Ina Stūre (1958-2006). Virtually unheard of today, Stūre created experimental, graphic works that reflect themes of identity and creative freedom in the politically turbulent 1980s and 1990s, during Latvia's return to independence. Amid post-Soviet material scarcity, Stūre creatively utilized materials like hair and fabric dyes, as well as techniques like collage, defying the “straight photography” trend of the time. Krauze-Slucka focuses on Stūre's complete archive – including works with an artistic aim, often set in a staged, aestheticized dreamworld created by Stūre in collaboration with her friends. Conversely, vernacular snapshots of the artist's family life and countryside home unveil her role as a mother and the challenging circumstances in which her artistic activity took place. Besides questioning why certain artists have faded or are deemed unworthy of official versions of history, Krauze-Slucka's work serves as an example of artistic research as care, in which materiality acts as a bridge across generations, being of key significance for both artists. This talk will also shed light on their respective creative concerns and constraining hierarchies, critically contextualizing this story within the wider process of rewriting the photographic history of Latvia and Baltic region.
Liāna Ivete Žilde is a visual culture researcher based in Riga, Latvia, focusing on the social meanings and uses of photography. Works at the ISSP contemporary photography platform, studying for a PhD at the Art Academy of Latvia, where she is also a research assistant. Previously obtained master’s degrees in cultural and social anthropology and curatorial studies. Lectures in visual anthropology, writes articles on photography and visual culture and participates in various interdisciplinary projects. Together with Anete Ušča, created the publication Baltic Stories: A Visual Guide to Spaces of Culture (2021) as well as hosting Augsne, a radio show on local cultural initiatives.
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