There are many cultural assets in Latvia worthy of the word icon. We have the Song Festival, we have wonderful examples of art and architecture, we have world class theatre and a heritage of spoken folklore. And yet, behind everything we call icons or cornerstones of Latvian culture there are people who have created all these assets with their talent, work and, ultimately, their lives. Without knowing their work, your idea of Latvian culture would be incomplete.
Join me and get to know them!
Discover!
- Philippe Halsman - one of the most significant Photographers of the 20th century
- Ed Leedskalnin and his Coral Castle
- Walter Zapp - Inventor of the Minox
- Every ( Spy) MUST have :)
- Mark Rothko - Painter
- Laima Kaugure - Textile Designer
- Women's Eco Friendly Organic Clothing Made of Organic Linen and Wool
- Isaiah Berlin - Liberal Philosopher
- Baron Munchausen - Dreamer
- Mikhail Baryshnikov - Ballet Dancer
- ANNOUNCEMENT - be sure to Follow Inese
- Sergei Eisenstein - Flm Director
- Vija Celmins - Artist
- Vija Celmins Wins 2009 Roswitha Haftmann Prize
- Inita and Vitauts Straupe - Jewellers
- Baltic Bronze Bracelet
- Silver and Bronze Bracelets
- Mariss Jansons - Conductor
- Konstantin Raudive - Investigator of electronic voice phenomenon
- Zenta Maurina - Philosopher and Writer
- Sasha Siemel - The Brazilian 'Tiger Man'
- Wooden Toys For Children
- Mischa Maisky - Cello Player
- Things To Do
- Art Nouveau Riga on Amazon
Marilyn Monroe Poster ~ Lifting Weights ~ by Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman - one of the most significant Photographers of the 20th century
Philippe Halsman was born in Riga on the 2nd of May 1906. He died in New York on the 25th of June 1979.He was one of the most significant photographers of the 20th century in the 40s to the 70s. Halsman was one of the great pioneers of experimental photography, motivated by a profound desire to push this youngest of art forms toward new frontiers by using innovative and unorthodox photographic techniques.
His portraits in American magazines, to a great degree, created the impression of American society as one of prosperity, optimism and self-confidence.
In 1930 he moves to live in Paris where his portraits are printed in the Vogue, Vu and Voila magazines. His fame grows with his portraits of Andre Malraux, Paul Valery, Jean Painleve, Marc Chagall, Andre Gide, Jean Giraudoux and Le Corbusier.
In New York in 1941 he meets Salvador Dali
and so begins a 30-year creative collaboration.In 1942 he also begins work as a fashion and magazine photographer. In 1945 he is elected as the first President of the American Society of Photographers. He photographs the famous dancer Martha Graham and her company, and creates portraits of Albert Einstein, Salvador Dali, the French comic Fernandel, Brigitte Bardot, Henri Matisse, Anna Magnani and Winston Churchill.
And also J. F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Robert S. McNamara, McGeorge Bundy, Dean Rusk, Arthur E. Schlesinger Jr..
In 1969 he becomes Richard M. Nixon's official photographer. In 1970, the album "One-hundred the Life cover" is published. In 1975 he receives the American Magazine Photographers' association's lifetime achievement award for the development of photography.
Halsman's photographs can be found in many museums and galleries throughout the world.
Philippe Halsman exhibition at The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
Dali's Mustache by Philippe Halsman
"Warning! This book is preposterous," says the back cover. This collaboration between the flamboyant Spanish painter and the Latvian-born portraitist is also a surrealistic work of art. Halsman understood the extroverted Dali better than any other photographer; their talents and personalities were the perfect complement to each other. In the course of this witty and inventive homage, the artist's celebrated whiskers tie themselves in a knot, are pressed into service as a paintbrush, become the hands of a clock and blemish the face of the Mona Lisa.
Dali's Mustache
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Philippe Halsman's Posters
Philippe Halsman Books
Philippe Halsman, rétrospective
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Philippe Halsman's Jump Book
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Unknown Halsman
Amazon Price: $47.25 (as of 11/23/2008)
The Frenchman: A Photographic Interview with Fernandel (Photo Books) (Photo Books S.)
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Ed Leedskalnin and his Coral Castle
Florida's famous 'Coral Castle', the stuff of legend in the USA, is the work of one man. It was built by Latvia-born Eduards Liedskalnins ( Ed Leedskalnin).Following an unhappy love-affair, he left for North America in 1912, and in 1918 moved to Florida in the USA. In Florida he created his first coral rock structures, which he developed over time into a monument to the beloved sixteen-year-old girl he had left behind in Latvia and whom he called his 'Sweet Sixteen' (she broke the engagement the night before their wedding).
In Waiting For Agnes
and in A book in every home 
Ed Leedskalnin uncovers the mystery of his life.Coral Castle is the finest example of massive stone construction. A study of the immense sizes and weights of the coral rock excavated, moved, and used in its construction establishes it as an authentic wonder of the world. Amazingly, the castle, incorporating about 1000 tonnes of rock, was built by Liedskalnins single-handedly, using equipment he constructed himself.
I have discovered the secrets of the pyramids, and have found out how the Egyptians and the ancient builders in Peru, Yucatan, and Asia, with only primitive tools, raised and set in place blocks of stone weighing many tons!
---Edward Leedskalnin
Contemporaries relate that Eduards created his stone figures by night and never allowed anyone to view the process, so legends circulated widely that he had discovered some secret allowing him to overcome the force of gravity.
The castle is the subject of rock star Billy Idol's best-known hit Sweet Sixteen "
(1987), and has been included in the United States National Register of Historic Places. Discover the Mistery of Coral Castel
Waiting For Agnes
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Walter Zapp - Inventor of the Minox
SMALLEST MECHANICAL CAMERA,THE MINOX
"The Minox is my life."-- Walter Zapp
In, the 1937 Latvia State Electrotechnical Plant (Valsts Elektrotehniska Fabrika-VEF) in Riga began production of the world's first functioning miniature camera , the VEF Minox
, invented by Walter Zapp born in 1905 in Riga.This was an entirely novel kind of camera, which, thanks to its simplicity and ease of use, not only promoted amateur photography, but also opened up completely new possibilities.
This miniature camera (17 x 27 x 80 mm, 125 g), without any additional equipment, gives a sharp, high-contrast image at a distance of as little as 20 cm, and the image can be enlarged up to 20 times without losing quality. With its 8 x 11 mm film, the camera also became an immediate favourite among secret agents, who praised its capacity for rapid and technically simple photographing of documents in excellent quality.
Although the Minox soon became known as the legendary Spy Camera
, most have in fact been sold to ordinary, peace-loving buyers.Get one for yourself, too.
Every ( Spy) MUST have :)
Minox LX Gold Limited Edition 8x11 mm Film Spy Camera (24k Gold Plated)
Minox LX Gold Limited Edition 8x11 mm Film Spy Camera (24k Gold Plated)
Amazon Price: $3,000.00 (as of 11/23/2008)
Minox on Amazon
Minox Digital Classic Leica M3 4MP Digital Camera with Minoctar 9.6mm Digital Lens
Amazon Price: $189.99 (as of 11/23/2008)
Minox MX Subminiature 8 x 11mm Camera Set
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Minox ECX Subminiature 8 x 11mm Camera
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Minox MDC Gold Limited Edition 35mm film Camera (24k Gold Plated)
Amazon Price: $2,500.00 (as of 11/23/2008)
Minox TLX Subminiature Camera (feet) with 8x11mm film format with case, measuring chain & film - USA
Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2008)
Mark Rothko - Painter
Abstract Painting
Artist Mark Rothko, born Marcus Rothkovich in Daugavpils, eastern Latvia , is one of the world's best-known 20th century abstract painters. In 1913, just before the outbreak of the First World War, he emigrated with his family from the territory of Latvia, then under Russian rule, to live in the USA.Rothko has made a very original contribution, saturated with mythology, to such movements in painting as
Abstractionism , Expressionism , Surrealism , and is regarded as a pioneer of Abstract Expressionism.
In his lifetime, he became one of the best-known painters in the United States. His work is displayed at the
Guggenheim
Metropolitan Museums in New York City
the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C
the Tate Gallery in London Mark Rothko
as well as museums in Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and Spain.
Read more about Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko books
Mark Rothko
Amazon Price: $47.25 (as of 11/23/2008)
The Artist's Reality: Philosophies of Art
Amazon Price: $12.24 (as of 11/23/2008)
Writings on Art
Amazon Price: $18.48 (as of 11/23/2008)
Mark Rothko: A Biography
Amazon Price: $36.00 (as of 11/23/2008)
Mark Rothko: Works on Paper
Amazon Price: $40.95 (as of 11/23/2008)
Mark Rothko Posters
Laima Kaugure - Textile Designer
Linen - fabric or yarn made from the fiber of flax was cultivated for Centuries in Latvia and locally used in bedlinen, towels and dress fabrics.With the fashion for natural living nowadays Latvia linen and fabrics have become highly appreciated inland and abroad.
Worldwide Latvian linen are known mostly due to Studio Naturals - a small company, owned and directed by the textile designer Laima Kaugure , and has specialised itself in the design and production of high quality linen to be used in a lot of contexts as interior design. (Hotel Bergs the linen furnishings were hand-woven by Kaugure).
The linen is woven from natural flax fibres, which is a natural resource in Latvia. The Studija Naturals is thereby continuing a centuries-old tradition for making linen of flax in Latvia. This tradition, and heritage, is something that Studija Naturals is very conscious of; all production of the linen is handmade, woven on big wooden frame looms.
Italian fashion house Armani uses and shows products from Studija Naturals as part of its own collection under the Armani Casa label. Kaugure's linens are popular also with the fashion designer Calvin Klein.
Women's Eco Friendly Organic Clothing Made of Organic Linen and Wool
Nothing consents you to stay cool in hot summer day as linen clothing and warms as woolen clothing in chilly weather.Check out a casual yet stylish collection of classic linen clothing for women and wool clothing for women.
Isaiah Berlin - Liberal Philosopher
Sir Isaiah Berlin is one of the world's most significant liberal philosophers of the XX century. He was born in Riga, spent most of his life in Great Britain and earned world acclaim with his powerful and sophisticated discourse and interpretation of liberalism and his brilliant display of extraordinarily incisive mind and sparkling style.His essay Two concepts of liberty 1958
left an essential impact on the development of the liberal philosophical thought: his discrimination between positive and negative liberty was the point of departure for further theoretical discourse on significance and value of political freedom. It remains one of the most read and interpreted texts of liberal philosophy. Later works by Berlin caused noteworthy response with their idea of pluralism of the human nature, behaviour, ambitions and values. They have become a source of inspiration and further research for numerous other philosophers.Learn more about Isaiah Berlin.
Isaiah Berlin Books
The Power of Ideas
Amazon Price: $18.96 (as of 11/23/2008)
The Crooked Timber of Humanity
Amazon Price: $18.45 (as of 11/23/2008)
Political Ideas in the Romantic Age: Their Rise and Influence on Modern Thought
Amazon Price: $23.36 (as of 11/23/2008)
Liberty: Incorporating Four Essays on Liberty
Amazon Price: $26.95 (as of 11/23/2008)
Baron Munchausen - Dreamer
Who has never heard about The Adventures of Baron Munchausen? I still love to re-read the book. Isnt there a Muchausen in everyone?Karl Friedrich Hieronymus, Freiherr von Munchausen (11 May 1720 - 22 February 1797) was a German baron who in his youth was sent to serve as page to Anthony Ulrich II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, and later joined the Russian military.
He had married Jacobine von Dunten in Pernigel near Duntes muiza in Latvia.
World knows Baron Munchausen for his exceptional and outrageous tales about his The adventures
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
Baron Munchausen Posters
More Baron Munchausen
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (20th Anniversary Edition)
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 11/23/2008)
The Monty Python Box Set (Monty Python & The Holy Grail/ And Now For Something Completly Different/ The Adventures of Baron Munchausen)
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 11/23/2008)
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
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The Fabulous Adventures of Baron Munchausen
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Baron Munchausen Posters on AllPosters
Mikhail Baryshnikov - Ballet Dancer
Mikhail Baryshnikov was born on January 27, 1948 in Riga. He has attended Riga Choreography School. At the tender age of 15 Barishnikov entered Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) Vaganov Choreography School and joined the Kirov in 1967, where he quickly became one of its leading artists.During Kirov Opera and Ballet Theatre tour through Canada in 1974, Baryshnikov decided to stay in Canada and later moved to USA.
Baryshnikov became one of the distinguished American ballet dancers. Baryshnikov joined the American Ballet Theater between 1974 and 1978, then during 1978-79 worked with George Balanchine's New York City Ballet, and became the director, soloist and artistic director of the American Ballet Theatre from 1980 to 1989. During this period, Baryshnikov directed the production of 'Nutcracker', 'Don Quixote', 'Cinderella' and 'Swan Lake'.
In 1977, the dancer made his American film debut in, 1977 The Turning Point
the most successful ballet-themed motion picture since The Red Shoesin 1948. For his down-to-earth acting as much as for his unquestioned dance skills, Baryshnikov received an Oscar nomination.Additionally, he starred in the 1985 film White Nights,
in which he played a ballet star who'd defected from the Soviet Union only to be kidnapped back into his homeland.Followed by That's Dancing!
He played also Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker) boyfriend, Aleksandr Petrovsky, in the last season of Sex and the City.
Baryshnikov has participated in numerous popular TV programs. He is a winner of the Emmy Prize.
Nonetheless Baryshnikov, in discussing his career, summarized his experiences in a comment he made to Gennady Smakov , author of Dancers." "Great Russian Dancers"
The dancer said, "No matter what I try to do or explore, my Kirov training, my expertise, and my background call me to return to dancing after all, because that's my real vocation, and I have to serve it."
Mikhail Baryshnikov Filmograhy
More " Baryshnikov" on Amazon
Mikhail Baryshnikov / TIME Cover: May 19, 1975, Art Poster by TIME Magazine
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 11/23/2008)
White Nights 12x16 Matte Color Photo (Mikhail Baryshnikov Gregory Hines)
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 11/23/2008)
Vanity Fair Magazine January 1987 Mikhail Baryshnikov
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Mikhail Baryshnikov in Photograph
As is the case with most dancers, the most effective documentation of Mikhail Baryshnikov is the photograph. Most books focusing on him are in the category of photo albums attempting to illustrate his work through freeze-action shots.Baryshnikov at Work
which is edited and introduced by Charles Engell France, features many photographs of the dancer by Martha Swope
The same editor and photographer collaborated on Baryshnikov in Color 
;Other books on this artist include: Bravo Baryshnikov!
by Alan LeMond, with photos by Lois Greenfield; Baryshnikov on Broadway
with photos by Martha Swopeand an introduction by Walter Terry; The Making of a Dance: Mikhail Baryshnikov and Carla Fracci in Medea
photographed and edited by Thomas Victor, with an introduction by Clive Barnes; Baryshnikov in Russia
by Nina Alovert.Baryshnikov ended his stage career in 2002. Following his retirement from classical ballet, he joined forces with the choreographer Mark Morris to found the White Oak Dance Project" in 1990, using his celebrity and the undiminished splendour of his dancing to bring modern dance to new audiences around the world. For White Oak he has commissioned new works from Taylor, Tharp, Lubovitch, and Robbins, among others, while reviving works by Holm, Graham, Limón, and Cunningham; he also oversaw the revivals of key works from Judson Dance Theatre.
He has recently received two Honorary Degrees; on September 28, 2007 from Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University, and on May 11, 2006, from New York University.
Books Written by or about Mikhail Baryshnikov on Amazon
Mikhail Baryshnikov's Stories From My Childhood: Beloved Fairy Tales from the Queen to Cinderella
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Because . . .
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 11/23/2008)
Reinventing Dance in the 1960s: Everything Was Possible
Amazon Price: $22.95 (as of 11/23/2008)
Giants of Art & Culture - Mikhail Baryshnikov (Giants of Art & Culture)
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Baryshnikov: In Black and White
Amazon Price: $45.00 (as of 11/23/2008)
Sergei Eisenstein - Flm Director
The story of Riga would be different without Sergei Eisenstein - the beloved film director and creator of the new, unique language of cinema that strongly impacted the development of the cinema as visual art. The distinguished director, script writer and art theoretician was born January 22 of 1989 in Riga , but his path led to Petrograd and Moscow.
His father, Mikhail Eisenstein , was one of the most famous Art Nouveau architects in Riga.
- Strike(1924),
- Battleship Potemkin (1925)
- October (Ten Days That Shook the World) (1927)
- Alexander Nevsky (1938),
- Ivan the Terrible, Part One, 1945
- Ivan the Terrible, Part Two, 1946/1948
Are 6 films shot by Soviet director Sergei Eisenstein that truly shocked the world.
1930. Eisenstein started to shoot a documentary Que Viva Mexico
1932. Stalin ordered his return to the Soviet Union. Eisenstein was loyal to the ideals of the Communism and returned to Moscow. The material shot in Mexico was cinematized in 1933 in New York under the name "The Thunder over Mexico" without participation of the author.
The life of Eisenstein in the Soviet Union during the Stalin era was not easy - his fame and influence in USSR increased and decreased proportionally to the success of his films in the world. Eisenstein died February 11, 1948 in Moscow.
In the memoirs, Sergei Eisenstein states that he has been a Rigan all his life.
Sergei Eisenstein Books on Amazon
Masterpieces by Sergei Eisenstein
Strike
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Battleship Potemkin (The Ultimate Edition) (2pc) (Full B&W)
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 11/23/2008)
October (Ten Days That Shook the World)
Amazon Price: $22.49 (as of 11/23/2008)
Eisenstein - The Sound Years (Ivan the Terrible Parts 1 & 2, Alexander Nevsky) - Criterion Collection
Amazon Price: $71.99 (as of 11/23/2008)
Que Viva Mexico
Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 11/23/2008)