Metal artist and car enthusiast Juris Gagainis is one of the founders of the Antique Automobile Club of Latvia and Riga Motor Museum. His personal exhibition “4x4 +SILVER” blends technology and art through a bridge of brilliant craftsmanship.
The exhibition shall be on display in Riga Motor Museum till September, 15th.
The descendant of two craftsmen families from Vidzeme, Juris Gagainis was born in Riga on 26th September, 1944. His mother’ s ancestors and brothers specialised in making highly durable carriages in Jaunburtnieki. His grandfather was a gifted potter in Litene, but his father worked on the railway.
His childhood days were spent on Matīsa street between a railway, Second Gas Fabric of Riga and the legendary “Russo-Balt” factory, which later, during post-war years, served as the war repair yard of the Defence Ministry of the USSR.
The industrial environment sparked Juris’ s interest in technology and the unique beauty of technical details.
With the help of thoguhtful encouragement, their mother helped the artistic developement of Juris and his twin sister Anita, who later became a textile designer.
Gagainis initially studied the craft of a locksmith at a vocational school, after that he enrolled in an aviation school during his service in Siberia and only then started his studies in Riga School of Applied Arts metalworking department.
In 1973 he graduated with top marks from Tallin Arts Institute, where he was highly rated by his educators for his graphic skills as well. This can be seen in his enamel paintings, adornment compositions and the intricate detailing of his graphical works.
Friends and visits to Bolderaja helped Juris discover the world of ships. He is interested in the history of people and objects, he travels and is known as an intelligent and ardent contemplator of life as well as a skillful storyteller in words, forms and the technological combination of selected materials and technique.
However, at this exposition one can also become acquinted with Juris Gagainis in connection with automobiles. Here one can see his cherished “Vilīši”, which were a dream of his childhood. The specialists of this museum could describe the love and expertise with which Juris helped the rebirth of numerous historical vehicles. He is one of the first few first enthusiasts who contributed to the creation of the Latvian Vintage Car Club and Riga Motor Museum.
“The principles of operation in modern-day structures are hidden from the eye of everyday user. The initial forms of technology expressed them more interestingly,” Juris Gagainis says.
Juris Gagainis.
Born in 1944, Riga.
Finished Riga School of Applied Arts in 1968.
Finished National Arts Institute of Estonia in 1973.
Teaches metal design in Art Academy of Latvia since 1980. Head of chair from 1992 to 2012.
Member of Latvia Artists’ union since 1975.
Member of Latvia designers’ union since 1995.
Takes part in expositions since 1969.
Officer (or laureate?) of the Three Star Order in 2006.
Received a memorial 1991.barricade participant’s badge.