‘Beyond thrice-nine seas and thrice-nine mountains,
There is a tree with thrice-nine roots.
Where did it come from?
Where is it going?
Its roots embrace the depths like hands,
Drinking water from a deep, underground spring,
Its branches bend close to the earth,
Nine rays reach upward.’
/Anna Egle/
Anna Egle’s exhibition ‘Trejdeviņi’ will open at MABOCA Gallery Visuma Centrs 2 on August 17th.
These sculptures are created based on the artist’s life experiences, reflecting mistakes that still need to be resolved and choices that continue to have an impact. The artist acknowledges the inability to reverse time or undo past actions and is seeking a way to overcome personal despair. In moments of self-deception, the artist failed to recognize the opportunities present along their path, described as treasures hidden behind multiple locks. Each sculpture is considered sacred, representing discoveries made throughout the journey. Through these tripod figures, the artist explores the interplay of light and darkness within themselves and emphasizes the relationship between light and shadow in sculpture.
One sculpture interprets a tree with three large roots resembling fingers that transform into a branching crown, symbolizing the work culture as a spiritual path. This represents the drawing of true meaning in life through metaphorical roots.
Reflecting on the past, the artist expresses a wish to have shown more love to their grandmother at the end of her life. Consequently, a sculpture is dedicated to women and mothers who give life, inspired by a dream of women carrying each other upward.
The tripod sculptures are generally taller than a person, featuring a soft, light-reflecting texture and simple yet complex forms.
Anna Egle, a sculptor from Riga born in 1990, invites viewers to explore her ‘Thrice-nine’ world, unveiling the roots and crowns of life, along with its light and darkness. Egle has over a decade of experience in sacred sculpture projects in the United States, where her works are part of private collections. Her range includes small, jewelry-like sculptures to large-scale projects with clay figures later cast in bronze. In 2017, she earned a master’s degree in sculpture from the Art Academy of Latvia. Since 2011, she has organized solo exhibitions in Latvia and participated in group exhibitions across Latvia and Europe.
In her practice, Egle uses contemporary sculptural materials, having inherited a love for art from her family. Growing up surrounded by creative processes in her parents’ art studio, she experimented with various materials and techniques. Currently, she focuses on creating works that enrich and balance space, characterized by lightness, simplicity, and light-reflecting texture. Her works are often accompanied by poetic language to enhance perception. She is also interested in other creative techniques, such as performative and musical elements, to extend the enjoyment of her sculptures.
Through her art, Egle discovers the richness of her inner world and the world around her, exploring aspects previously unknown or unnoticed.
The exhibition is supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation.
