The 3rd Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art in Latvia (RIBOCA) has been canceled owing to the Russian ties of its founder.
Ever since RIBOCA was founded, the Russian heritage of its founder Agniya Mirgorodskaya has been a matter of scrutiny. Agniya is also the daughter of Gennady Mirgorodsky, a prominent Russian fishing tycoon. Latvia has historical animosity against the erstwhile Soviet Union, which has extended to present-day Russia. The fact became a major issue after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The third edition of the biennial was scheduled to open in 2022 but was postponed due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. In April last year, the organizers released a statement announcing the postponement: “In times like these, to envision working towards an exhibition that was supposed to be a vast celebration of art, respect and togetherness feels inconceivable whilst heinous crimes are still being committed in Ukraine. We strongly condemn the Russian attack on Ukraine and are united with everyone who calls for an immediate end of the war.”
This year, more than 60 artists were scheduled to participate in the exhibition titled “There is an Elephant in the Room”. The theme of the show was to address various socio-political issues relevant to the Riga region. However, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Riga Biennial organizers found it prudent to cancel it. The statement released said: “It appears that the heritage of our executive members, which includes Russian among Lithuanian and Latvian nationalities, is something too significant to overcome as the Russian attack on Ukraine rekindles tensions of an occupied past.”
