Thematic Preface: The 15th Baltic Triennial Explores the Notion of Time
In a world governed by ticking clocks and crowded calendars, the concept of time has become both a scientific reality and a deeply philosophical enigma. How do we perceive time? How does it shape our understanding of the world and our place in it? These questions lie at the heart of the 15th Baltic Triennial, Same Day, set to open on September 6 at the Contemporary Art Centre in Vilnius.
Since its inception in 1979, the Baltic Triennial has been a vital platform for showcasing contemporary art across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. This year’s edition, curated by Valentinas Klimašauskas, Agnė Narušytė, and Zane Onckule, delves deep into the multifaceted and often elusive nature of time, inviting visitors to reflect on its influence on human existence.
In the context of Same Day, time is not just a linear progression, but rather an abstract entity that can be manipulated and interpreted in various ways. Through artworks spanning diverse mediums, the Triennial bridges historical references with contemporary concerns, engaging with the timeless human fascination with time itself.
Building on the rich heritage of the Baltics, where shifting political landscapes and tumultuous histories have left indelible marks, Same Day examines the intricate relationship between personal and collective memories, and the weight these memories carry through time.
A Historical Leitmotif: Vilnius, a Tapestry of Time
Vilnius, the historic capital of Lithuania, serves as the backdrop for this exploration of time. With its beautifully preserved Old Town nestled within a maze of cobbled streets, Vilnius is a living testament to the passage of time. From the Gothic grandeur of St. Anne’s Church to the Baroque exuberance of Vilnius University, the city’s architecture becomes an integral part of Same Day’s thematic tapestry.
But it is not only the physical structures that carry historical weight; the people of Vilnius, too, are woven into the fabric of time. As you walk through the city’s streets, you may encounter elderly residents with vivid memories of life during Soviet occupation or young artists grappling with their own understanding of the past. Vilnius, a microcosm of the Baltic region, has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, making it an ideal setting for contemplating the complexities of time.
The Contemporary Zeitgeist: Artists Expanding the Boundaries of Time
The Triennial brings together a diverse group of artists from around the world who interrogate the boundaries of time through their work. From the immersive installations of Alicja Kwade, where objects seem to defy their fixed temporal constraints, to the captivating photographs of Taiyo Onorato and Nico Krebs, capturing fleeting moments frozen in time, Same Day seeks to challenge our assumptions and perceptions about temporality.
But the Triennial doesn’t shy away from the pressing issues of our contemporary world. With climate change looming large and social structures undergoing rapid transformations, artists like Deimantas Narkevičius and Merike Estna explore the intersection of history and the present, reminding us that time is not confined to individual experiences but is intertwined with the collective human story.
Through this entwining of historical and contemporary references, Same Day immerses its viewers in a thought-provoking journey, encouraging us to reconsider our relationship with time and the narratives it weaves. As we enter the exhibition at the Contemporary Art Centre in Vilnius on September 6, let us embark on a quest to unlock the mysteries of time, guided by the art and vision of the 15th Baltic Triennial.
