The exhibition "Growth Stories – SEB Scholarship in Painting 15," organized annually by the Art Academy of Latvia in cooperation with SEB Bank, will be on view at the Cēsis Exhibition Hall from 13 July to 19 August. The exhibition will showcase the artistic growth paths facilitated by the support of the SEB Scholarship in Painting.

The exhibition "Growth Stories" includes all SEB Scholarship winners: artists Neonilla Medvedeva, Atis Jākobsons, Zane Tuča, Elza Sīle, Laimdota Malle, Klāvs Loris, Madara Neikena, Zīle Ziemele, Sandra Strēle, Kristaps Priede, Anna Pommere, Krišjānis Elviks, Madara Kvēpa, Alise Builevica, and Katrīna Biksone.

The works of these artists cover a wide range of themes, reflecting on deeply personal and societal issues, social, religious, and philosophical themes, as well as exploring human portraits, natural landscapes, the cosmos, metaphysics, and memory.

For example, Anna Pommere's works are devoted to the theme of memory, exploring the possibilities of representing different aspects in visual art. These studies are linked to her self-reflection on her own identity.

Atis Jākobsons' paintings explore spiritual disciplines, personal experiences, and a broader view of these issues, focusing on questions of metaphysics and the role of meditation in today's complex and stressful times.

Sandra Strēle, on the other hand, creates large-scale installations based on the traditions of classical painting and reveals different stories in chronological order. The artist offers the viewer a secluded, alienated, sometimes lonely place, interpreting it in the context of architecture and fictional plots.

Madara Neikena uses minimal means of expression in her paintings to convey the essence of a place - the sensations, sounds, and smells - while leaving room for the viewer's self-exploration.

Katrīna Biksone's works are distinguished by a conceptual approach to painting. Her meticulous attention to detail and contextual approach to her work encourage in-depth attention.

The growth stories of these and other artists will be on display until 19 August at the Cēsis Exhibition Hall, daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (Cēsis, Pils laukums 3).

"Financial support and appreciation of creative work are important for a young artist. It gives the opportunity to fully devote oneself to study and work, to develop one's own creative language, thoughts, and works. We would like to thank SEB Bank for its support over the past 15 years and look forward to further cooperation," says Kristaps Zariņš, Rector of the Art Academy of Latvia.

"Although visual art is most often judged by a static final work, its creation is a constant process of inner reflection and exploration of the outer world. It is the continuity of this process that has underpinned SEB Bank's support over the years. This exhibition is a testament not only to individual talent and craftsmanship but also to the seemingly diverse stories, perceptions, and approaches that we have been honored to support in their development. By celebrating the creative achievements of 15 artists, we are pleased to see this collaboration of commitment, diversity, and excellence enriching the Latvian art world," says SEB Bank CEO Ieva Tetere.

Curated by Inese Rozentāle, designed by Ansis Rozentāls.

The SEB Scholarship Competition in Painting has been organized since 2008 with the aim of supporting the talent, craftsmanship, and creativity of young LMA students. The scholarship provides the winner with financial support of EUR 2,000 and a paid visit to a Contemporary Art Fair in a European Union city together with a creative workshop.