The exhibition “Follow Latvia” will be on view in Brussels during Latvia’s Presidency of the Council of the EU

During Latvia’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, an exhibition of Latvia’s national design will be on view in the EU Council’s Justus Lipsius building. The design exhibition was opened by Latvia’s Ambassador to the European Union, Ilze Juhansone.

The exhibition Follow Latvia will be comprised of three main elements: Earth and nature, represented in the form of large-scale images of the Latvian landscape and cultural heritage; an interactive Dance path celebrating the vitality of Latvian traditions; and a collection of furniture by Latvian designers interpreting the nature, traditions and skills of Latvia and Latvians through the language of contemporary design. It will be possible to try out the Latvian folk dance step in the building’s vestibule, while the design brands selected for the furniture collection epitomise the inimitable quality and laconic and robust craftsmanship of the finest handiwork.

Justus Lipsius entrance vestibule. Photo: H2E

A path has been mapped out in the entrance vestibule marking the steps of the Latvian folk dance Spriguleits. It is a simple and attractive dance, which is very easy to learn, following the pattern on the rug. The dance commences the visual introduction to Latvia. Colleagues in the EU Council building were introduced to the first steps of the dance by Brussels’ Latvian dancers. Thanks to the support of the Latvian Institute, it will also be possible to dance the aforementioned dance on Latvia’s Facebook page: If you like Latvia, Latvia likes you .

The exhibition opens with a modular furniture system Meet Me!, while large-format photographic works showing landscapes and outstanding cultural objects are windows to Latvia. Northerly minimalism and design quality, as well as exemplary industrial manufacturing are embodied by the MINT furniture group, whereas the achievements of Latvia’s designers are epitomised by the Bloom stool, which was awarded the prestigious RED DOT award. The potential of design education and the innovativeness of the younger generation is represented by Tense Yourself stools, whereas a captivating sense of home in the interior is created by Mammalampa lighting fixtures - floor lamps The Bride and The Wise One. The exhibition concludes with a selection of design solutions which are comprised of internationally acclaimed works by Latvian designers not only in product, but also in fashion, exhibition and packaging design and management.

In foreground: Spriego Pats furniture, designer: Ģirts Arājs. Photo: H2E

Waiting room on Level 50 - MINT chair Bloom. Photo: H2E

Reception room on Level 50 - MINT armchair Comfy, designer: Jānis Rauza. Photo: H2E

The organiser of the exhibition is the design bureau H2E, which is one of the most influential design companies in Latvia. The company was set up and is managed by Ingūna Elere and Holgers Elers, who are concurrently tutors at the Art Academy of Latvia’s Design Department.