🎉 Zuzeum Art Centre is proud to announce the unveiling of ‘The Thinker’, a striking new sculpture by renowned Latvian artist Aigars Bikše.
This latest addition to the Zuzāns collection invites residents and visitors of Riga to engage with contemporary art in a unique and thought-provoking way, free of charge.
Standing prominently within the Zuzeum grounds, ‘The Thinker’ exemplifies Bikše’s distinctive style and thematic exploration. Unlike the 19th-century ‘Thinker’ by Auguste Rodin, which embodies physical strength and power through its static pose and muscular body, Bikše’s ‘The Thinker’ radiates an inner power of self-awareness, exploring the shifting paradigms of self-understanding.
The initiative to make this piece freely accessible underscores Zuzeum’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Riga. By eliminating financial barriers, Zuzeum encourages everyone to explore and appreciate the creativity of one of Latvia’s foremost artists. “We believe art should be accessible to everyone,” said Janis Zuzans of Zuzeum. “By showcasing Aigars Bikše’s work, we hope to inspire and engage our visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts.”
In addition to ‘The Thinker’, Zuzeum also showcases works by international artists like Thomas Houseago, Edith Carlson, and Denis Praslov, enhancing the cultural richness of the area.
Aigars Bikše (b. 1969) is a professor at the Latvian Academy of Arts and one of the curators of the Sculpture Quadrennial Riga. As the founder and director of the Art Management and Information Center (MMIC), he organizes interdisciplinary cultural projects. One of his most celebrated works, the sculpture ‘Two Rainis’, dedicated to Jānis Pliekšāns, is located near the National Library of Latvia. Bikše’s international acclaim includes participation in projects such as the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in Japan (2006) and the Rauma Biennale in Finland (2012).
