Introduction

The new works by Jānis Avotiņš (born 1981 in Latvia) are characterized by a distinct reduction compared to pictures of previous years. While the older works give an idea of landscape and space, the figures in his new paintings and drawings are placed in a monochrome color space. The real scenes, based on observations of everyday life, photographs and movies, are dispersed to a higher extent into painting and ambiguity. Like in Anton Chekhov’s pieces, Avotiņš works are depictions of very open atmospheres, moods and human relations. The un-expressed has more presence than what is actually shown.

The prevailing shades of grey and black reveal Avotiņš’ acceptance of dark and introverted sentiments as an attitude towards life. In this manner the paintings and drawings state an alternative to the flashy and loud media world of today. 

In his works Avotiņš subversively expresses qualities like silence, calm, sincerity and humility. 

Jānis Avotiņš was born in 1981 in Latvia. He studied at the Janis Rozentāls School of Fine Art and the Latvian Academy of Art in Riga. His works have been exhibited at Saatchi Gallery, London (2012), at the Contemporary Art Center, Vilnius (2010) and the Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst, Aachen (2008). 

Jānis Avotiņš lives and works in Riga, Latvia.