Decolonial Ecologies: Understanding Postcolonial after Socialism

The exhibition Decolonial Ecologies: Understanding Postcolonial after Socialism aims to explore the complex entanglements of postcolonial and postsocialist imprints in contemporary society and culture in Latvia, the Baltics, and its neighboring regions through the prism of environmental history and changes, and the current ecological crisis. Postcolonial and decolonial approaches to rethinking the complex relations between past and present have gained new urgency in Eastern Europe and the postsocialist region with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These approaches aim to provide new perspectives on how to think about the lasting influence of colonial, imperial, and occupation powers, even after their apparent end, as well as to think through truly breaking free from these influences.

Decolonialism also includes new perspectives on the relationship between humans and the environment, their dominant and consumptive impact on nature, and the need to change this. The exhibition also foregrounds issues of sustainability and accessibility, and the role of culture and the arts in strengthening a diverse and inclusive society. These issues are highlighted in the exhibition's public programme, discussions, lectures and creative workshops.

Artists: Anna Shkodenko, Darja Popolitova, Viktor Gurov, Francisco Martínez, Aurelija Maknytė, Diana Lelonek, Artist collective Family Connection, Haralds Matulis, Inga Erdmane, Linda Boļšakova, Līga Spunde, Maija Demitere, Maria Kapajeva, Olia Mykhailiuk, Rasa Šmite & Raitis Šmits, Vika Eksta and Anna Griķe.

Curator: Ieva Astahovska

Photo by Pēteris Rūcis

The exhibition is organized by Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art and the Association of Culture Institutions of Riga City Council exhibition hall Riga Art Space, supported by Riga City Council, Riga City Council Department of Education, Culture and Sport.