The exhibition Swirling, Twirling, Spinning unites artists across generations in an empowering context, drawing inspiration from the ideas of Lithuanian-American archaeologist and anthropologist Marija Gimbutas. Her profound research brought attention to the ancient cultures of the Baltic region and the broader Indo-European world, exploring archaeological artefacts, linguistics, ethnography, and folklore. Gimbutas posited a thesis that prehistoric European culture centered around the worship of a Mother Goddess, as the giver of all life. A spiritual sense of connectedness was artfully expressed through a sophisticated symbol system and an abundance of ritual objects. Nature and body were honored in Europe for tens of thousands of years. Whereas women had an especially strong position in societies across Eastern and Central Europe – a tendency no longer necessarily evident today.
Swirling, Twirling, Spinning poetically weaves a narrative that bridges ancient myths and beliefs, natural cycles, and the transformative power of feminine energy across different cultures and times. Gimbutas, who having opened the treasure trove of prehistory, inspired a belief in a peaceful existence in our time – to bring back to life suppressed vital elements, such as the earth, the body (health), the feminine, and the subconscious. Participating artists, through imaginative and fictitious narratives, share personal stories and cultural myths that also reflect the influence of Gimbutas’ theories on ancient symbolism. Their works echo these concepts through a contemporary lens, incorporating elements such as spirals, circles, and motifs such as snakes and birds – symbols rooted in ancient European matriarchal cultures that continue to resonate in Baltic art and culture.
The exhibition contemplates on reimagining a world centered around goddess worship, with its emphasis on embracing womanhood, preserving nature, and forsaking warfare. Could this theoretical concept transcend into the tangible reality of our future society? Swirling, Twirling, Spinning seamlessly intertwines historical narratives and mythology, immersing us in the themes that Marija Gimbutas ignited: the celebration of life’s cycles, constant renewal, the sanctity of the female body, and the spirituality inherent in these concepts. Gimbutas’ exploration of the spiritual dimensions of a harmonious Old Europe and her vision for a New Europe free from dominance and warfare, feels remarkably pertinent in our contemporary world.
Exhibition Swirling, Twirling, Spinning
Curator: Merilin Talumaa
Artists: Daria Melnikova, Helena Keskküla, Marge Monko, Viktorija Daniliauskaitė
Exhibition dates: 24.01.-17.02.2024
Venue: Draakon Gallery
Photography: Anna Mari Liivrand
Swirling, Twirling, Spinning. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Swirling, Twirling, Spinning. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Helena Keskküla Bird Baths (Nests). Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Daria Melnikova, Signs. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Swirling, Twirling, Spinning. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Helena Keskküla Bird Baths (Nests). Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Helena Keskküla Bird Baths (Nests). Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Marge Monko. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Marge Monko Repression. Incitement. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Marge Monko Godess zine. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Swirling, Twirling, Spinning. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Helena Keskküla Moss Doesn’t Grow II. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Helena Keskküla Moss Doesn’t Grow II. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Swirling, Twirling, Spinning. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Helena Keskküla Moss Doesn’t Grow I. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Helena Keskküla Moss Doesn’t Grow I. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Helena Keskküla Moss Doesn’t Grow I. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Swirling, Twirling, Spinning. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Helena Keskküla Moss Doesn’t Grow II. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Swirling, Twirling, Spinning. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Viktorija Daniliauskaitė Baltai Series I-III. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Viktorija Daniliauskaitė Baltai Series I-III. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
Viktorija Daniliauskaitė, Black Night IV. Photo: Anna Mari Liivrand, 2024
