Contemporary ceramic trends in the Baltic States
ENThe art of the 21st century is reflected in the rich cultural and societal heritage through which artists find newer ways of portraying the era and demonstrating the diversity of artistic possibilities. Artists in the ceramics sector can freely express themselves, as modern times are rich in resources and information variety. Contemporary ceramic development direction is determined by various factors, such as experimenting with materials in search of new technical solutions, open thinking – without boundaries, rules and topics. The work consists of connecting different kinds of art. The era is responsible for the contemporary art in it, as it creates a spirit that characterizes itself. It is because of the time, experience and innovations that are being realized with the artist’s thoughts, the artist finds how to portray this era through his art. With sophisticated experimentation contemporary artists are trying to come to another previously unforeseen result, something new, phenomenal. The works of contemporary ceramic artists from Latvia – Valda Podkalne, Sanita Ābelīte, Dainis Pundurs and Ilona Šauša – were observed and studied more closely. From Lithuania – Rūta Šipalytė, Rytas Jakimavičius, Eglė Einikytė-Narkevičienė and Rasa Justaitė Gecevičienė. And Estonian ceramicists – Anne Türn, Merike Hallik, Karin Kalman and Annika Teder. The aim of the study is to choose among the brightest and most active representatives of contemporary ceramics in the Baltic States to further describe the whole ceramics industry through their works, highlight the main trends, the concept of work, the idea, what materials are used, innovations and technical solutions. Key words: contemporary art, ceramics, artists, trends.
