We discern IN NATURE as an architectural sculpture. It is architectural, because it is not a temporary piece of art, but a central element of the main foyer of the university. It was developed in response to and in collaboration with the main architect, planned to suite the features of the building and become one of it's permanent structures. Thus, a careful calculation was carried out to ensure the safety and durability of the construction. It is a three- dimensional, site-specific art work, made to catch the eye of the typical passer-by: a tired, hard-working student of natural sciences, and, for a brief moment, take him/her into a magical pine tree forest, which relaxes, revives and inspires.

 

Thus, we had a task of designing a central piece of art for a place where the next generations of natural scientists would be educated. We had to essentially devote it to them: as a source for their pleasure during breaks, their pride upon their arrival and haven from the loaded daily schedule. And, because nature is the only single phenomenon that contains all of those qualities combined- it had to be an element of nature. Nature fascinates, nature is the beginning and end of everything, nature is what these scientists will dissect and study, nature is the best source of peace. 

 

The artist submitted several sketches and 3D models of possible designs. Finally, the one that he himself felt most at harmony with was also chosen by the architect Vita Polkovņikova. Slightly curved glass modules portraying trunks of pine trees seemed to have the right disposition in relation to the setting- both physical and philosophical.

 

Physically, the composition did not overpower the atmosphere of the foyer, and yet it was not to be missed by a passer-by. It finely highlighted the architectural spirit of the building, by drawing upon the forms of the concrete structures on the façade of the building.

 

Philosophically, The University of Latvia is the most important institution of higher education in the country and any Latvian would be proud to be studying there. This Latvian pride and patriotism is also reflected in pines. Yes, in pines...  a tall and slender form held up by very strong roots. Like humans… No matter where one is from, one can only know who he/she is by knowing their roots, acknowledging his/her strengths and weaknesses and acting upon them. Only by knowing what one is made of one can properly take care of him/herself and thrive. Latvia is a country of forests and lakes, and pine happens to be the most common type of tree, accountable for nearly 40% of the total forest area.  For a Latvian, a pine is enough to remind him/her of who they are as  one of the most well known Latvian songs starts with these words:

 

"Here, where the pine tree forests rustle, I am tied with the dearest bonds- this is my fatherland…"

 

The artist, of course, also has his own, peronal, intimate story of how he came to the idea of pines. His story starts in his childhood by the sea, in the dunes and the pine hurst separating the seaside from the highway. However, nearly every Latvian would have dear memories of running around, gathering mushrooms or climbing up the trees in a pine forest.