LMA and Semarah Hotels Begin Collaboration to Support Young Artists: Exhibition of Painter Madara Kvēpa Opens

The opening of painter Madara Kvēpa's solo exhibition.
The festive event included the signing of a memorandum and the cutting of the ribbon for the opening of the art gallery by LMA Rector Kristaps Zariņš and Olga Smirnova, a member of the board of "Semarah Hotels," the Latvian hotel chain. The newly opened gallery unveiled Madara Kvēpa's solo exhibition "Manifestation," which will be on display until September 13.

"When we started creating the 'Grand Poet Art Collection' of Latvian modern art, we specifically wanted to highlight and support our own young and talented artists, while also sparking interest and reflection on Latvian art among hotel visitors. Our clients are mostly life enthusiasts and travelers from various countries, for whom the culture of other countries is captivating. That's why we especially want to introduce them to Latvia's young talents," says O. Smirnova, who is also the author of the project idea.

The collaboration aims to support LMA students and young Latvian artists by encouraging new achievements, raising self-awareness, and building an international career. It provides financial support for talent development, creates space for solo exhibitions, and promotes the development of art in Latvia.

"The nearest neighbors of the Latvian Academy of Art are the Ministry of Culture, the Latvian National Art Museum, and the 'Grand Poet Hotel.' Therefore, we are especially pleased with the successful cooperation with these institutions. Our students are the creators of the dynamic buzz in the center of Riga and carriers of creative energy. We are delighted that young artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their works at the hotel. It's a nice tradition that enriches both parties," says K. Zariņš.

The solo exhibition of the young artist Madara Kvēpa is the first exhibition in the newly opened gallery. "The opportunity to create an exhibition at the 'Grand Poet Hotel' art gallery is the most significant turning point in my career. Although painting has always been an intimate process for me, which I often compare to a special form of meditation, I can't disagree with Edgar Degas, who said, 'Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.' The hotel is an international cultural stop for enthusiasts from around the world, so it's hard to imagine a better place to exhibit my works to a broader audience," emphasizes M. Kvēpa, adding that the exhibition can be visited by anyone passing by and art lovers.

Until September 13, every gallery visitor is invited to participate in the vote for their favorite artwork by attaching a sticker, a five-grand coin, to the closest work to their heart. Voting stickers can be obtained at the reception of the "Grand Poet Hotel."

About Madara Kvēpa
Madara Kvēpa started her art studies at the Janis Rozentāls Art High School and graduated from the Fashion Department of the Riga Design and Art School in 2012. She is currently studying painting at the Visual Art Department of the Latvian Academy of Art. She has been participating in exhibitions since 2016. In 2017, she held her first solo exhibition "IntueriI." In spring 2018, she participated in the international project "Gattopardo II Palermo-Riga-Vienna."

About "Grand Poet Hotel"
"Grand Poet Hotel" is part of the Latvian hotel chain "Semarah Hotels." The hotel chain currently includes the resort hotel "Lielupe" in Jurmala and two hotels in Riga: the four-star historic hotel "Metropole" on Aspazijas Boulevard and the elegant five-star design hotel "Grand Poet Hotel" on Raiņa Boulevard 5/6. Each of them has its unique story and values.

"Grand Poet Hotel" was officially opened on May 31. The hotel's unique "Diplohemia" concept combines design solutions characteristic of diplomacy and bohemia, created by the internationally recognized and award-winning concept and design agency "Stylt Trampoli" (Sweden). The project was developed by the architecture firm "Sarma un Norde" (Latvia), preserving the architectural uniqueness of the building. The hotel's name embodies duality, which is often present in poets - practicality and bohemianism.