Amidst Silence: Drunk Daddy’s Girl

From June 14, the Intro Hall of Riga Art Space will host the solo exhibition 'Amidst Silence: Drunk Daddy’s Girl'  by the artist Madara Gruntmane. Exhibition will be open to visitors until July 14. 

What does it mean to witness violence, and how can poetry become a tool for healing? At the heart of contemporary dialogues on love,  violence,, and their multifaceted manifestations, Madara Gruntmane's new body of work, “Drunk Daddy’s Girl”, is a visceral exploration of the power of poetic language as both a witness and a healer. Gruntmane questions the essence of poetry amidst the cacophony of violences that pervades human existence. 
 
At the core of this exhibition lies her new eponymous film, featuring a narrative woven from the threads of her poignant poem. Set in the magical and haunting Slokas swamp near Jūrmala, the film unfolds in the shadow of both silent and spoken violence, navigating through a harsh and barren landscape for the body. Gruntmane confronts the violence that permeates familial bonds, portraying a world where the act of revealing oneself becomes a metaphor for vulnerability and resistance. 
 
“Drunk Daddy's Girl” transcends traditional storytelling through an immersive installation at Riga’s Art Space. This exhibition crafts a new language that confronts violence without perpetuating stereotypes or inflicting further trauma. It strives to find a voice that transcends the specific adversities of its characters, charting a path toward healing. Gruntmane's art pushes us to recognize the resilience and humanity within those impacted by violence, urging an empathetic and insightful response. 
 
From the oppression of authoritarian regimes and the violence faced by LGBTQIA+ communities, to femicides and the quiet sufferings of sexual violence within the supposed safe havens of family and community, the artist’s work reflects the complexity of these dilemmas. Moving beyond this external and internal violence, Drunk Daddy’s Girl points us towards a healing process through remembering, recording, and ultimately, mending. Are we mere observers, or do we hold the power to transform these narratives? 

Curator: Corina L. Apostol 

The exhibition is organized by the Association of Culture Institutions of Riga City Council and the exhibition hall Riga Art Space with the support of the Riga City Council.