Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (11 June 2015) welcomes 'Baltic Links' to Farmleigh Gallery. This interesting Embassy led project draws contemporary Baltic artists and designers together to form a three part exhibition.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Harris said: "I am delighted that my Office, the OPW has facilitated this wonderful exhibition. 'Baltic Links' is an exhibition of contemporary Baltic artists reflecting the signs and messages carried by their cultural heritage while transforming them into new forms".

Across a theme of shared heritage, the exhibition showcases the work including costume, fashion, jewellery and ceramics. Forming the three parts to the exhibition are 'Bridges', the interpretation of ornament in Estonian folk art and applied art, followed by the Lithuanian 'The Art of Homecoming' an uninterruptible energy, flowing through ages, reaching us by tangible and intangible signs, codes, symbols which each contemporary artist deciphers in the unique, original language of art. And finally, 'Time Signs' a collection of artworks showing Latvian design and contemporary traditional applied art from Latvia.

Minister Harris concluded "My Office, the OPW, has hosted many successful exhibitions here in Farmleigh since our cultural programme began in 2001. I would like to thank all of the embassies and those who have contributed to this exhibition, bringing a fascinating glimpse into the immense cultural heritage of the Baltic States to an Irish audience as well as celebrating the richness that Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian traditions bring to Ireland".

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister Harris please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer – mobile 087 947 5552, or email colette.davis@opw.ie

Follow OPW @opwireland

Notes to Editors:

Baltic Links Exhibition:

'BRIDGES', the interpretation of ornament in Estonian folk art and applied art. The origins of symbols, their relationships and design principles lie in various cultures and differ in their semantic fields and mentality.Ornaments are like large and small bridges between cultures, countries and nations. These are stories that surpass generations and span from North to South; stories passed from travellers to locals, from kings to fools. These are signs that communicate Wisdom and Spirit.

'THE ART OF HOMECOMING'. Peaceful eternity and a powerful creative force lie in the depths of the souls of Lithuanian culture. It is silent and invisible until we seek it. But, as soon, with all due respect, we ask for reinforcement, it soothes, nourishes and inspires us for creativity, for work, for life. This uninterruptible energy, flowing through ages, reaches us by tangible and intangible signs, codes, symbols which each contemporary artist deciphers in the unique, original language of art.

'TIME SIGNS' is a collection of artworks showing Latvian design and contemporary traditional applied art from Latvia.The art has been created in line with traditional folk art techniques in weaving, jewellery making and ceramics. The works demonstrate modern approaches and innovations, where traditional materials have been applied to modern subjects. The idea behind the exhibition is to show different ways in whichancient signs, marks, symbols, colours, methods, and materials have survived up to the present day, and they have been adapted for contemporary use while preserving traditional ideas, thought and philosophy.

Further information on Exhibition: jurga.rakauskaite@opw.ie 087 747 7074

Farmleigh Gallery,
Phoenix Park,
Castleknock,
Dublin 15

Dates: 12 June – 9 August 2015

Times: Tuesday – Sunday 10am - 5pm (Closed for lunch 1pm - 2pm)