WhyWhyArt

Agate Apkalne // Latvia

Discussions of Agate Apkalne`s painting invariably accent its compatibility with classic values tried and tested in the history of art. Her realistic expression, balanced composition, anatomical drawing, use of colour and chiaroscuro, and their contrasts, as well as application of other formal aspects put those in the know in mind of Renaissance and Baroque painting. However, in spite of one`s awareness of this, Apkalne`s paintings don`t fail to confuse the viewer; they are very clear, even illustrative, but at the same time, they possess some dimension that prevents one from fully succumbing to a sense of reality. On the one hand, this prompts one to draw parallels with canons of art history, but on the other – the contents can be quite idiosyncratic. Agate Apkalne`s art as the whole can be viewed as such an “inner” path. In paintings she accentuates the meaning of her private space – thoughts, feelings, being and studies its boundaries and the possibilities thrown up by the interaction of various individuals. Some themes are even esoteric. Although these perceptions are private, viewer finds there their own aspects of truth. As Agate`s paintings are highly appreciated, some of them are included in collections of art collectors in Switzerland, Japan and Germany. The most valuable painting “Don’t Cry”, 2011 famous for its high quality, fine detailed Persian carpet in background now as well other two paintings is owned by an art collector in Switzerland. This is thirty years experience of painting you see in her works. Countless exhibitions in Eirope, China and Russia, Agate was represented in Berlin for 14 years and now her new art representing home is England. This year also in China by Whywhyart agency. Agate prefers painting in huge formats, her effort is enormous as one painting from idea to finished form takes countless hours of work. She admits painting is her drug as the artist never paints when she is in bad mood and during the process is in meditative mind. “My talent is a blessing I appreciate every day. There were no low points of my inspiration through these years and I feel like this is my source of never ending energy” says Agate interviewed for radio of Berlin during exhibition “So Klingt Europe”, 2014.

WhyWhyArt Exhibiting Artist