News

On June 10th, the 14th International Large-Scale Ceramic Fire Sculpture Symposium will begin on Post Island (Pasta sala) in Jelgava, gathering four internationally recognized ceramicists who will create their works this year around the theme “Identity”. Until June 21st, visitors will have the opportunity to watch the creation of the large-scale sculptures in person and follow the creative process.

This year’s symposium features artists Guntis Svikulis from Latvia and the United Kingdom, creating the sculpture “Finding Oneself in a Tangle of Contradictions”, Jānis Leimanis from Latvia with the work “Urban Identity”, Ieva Jurka from Latvia, creating the work “On the Way to Wholeness”, and Kärt Seppel from Estonia with the sculpture “Angel’s Shadow”. The artistic director is Ilze Emse from Latvia. The sculptures will be made of chamotte—a clay characteristic of the Zemgale region, supplemented with finely crushed particles of fired clay. This material is exceptionally durable and suitable for long-term outdoor display.

The chamotte sculpture symposium is unique for its closing event—an impressive fire sculpture burning and glowing show, which will take place during the Summer Solstice on June 21st at 12:00 AM (midnight). During the burning process, reaching temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Celsius, the sculptures transform into durable and permanent works of art.

The completed sculptures will be available for viewing on Post Island starting from June 22nd. The symposium is organized by the Jelgava State City Municipality and the institution “Kultūra”, with the support of the State Culture Capital Foundation and the Zemgale Planning Region program “Zemgale Historical Land Culture Program 2026”.