LAIMONIS MIERINS

Laimonis Mieriņš (1929-2011) is born on 12th March 1929 at Slampe / District Tukums / Latvia. Together with family, was forced to leave homeland for United Kingdom during the Second World War. Since 1947 lives in Yorkshire / UK. Professional education: Leeds College of Art and Design (1960 – 1964); Goldsmith’s College of Art, University of London (1964 – 1965). Lecturer at Leeds College of Art and Design (1965 – 1994). Participation in exhibitions since 1958. Works in the collections of the President of Latvia, Embassy of Latvia in London / UK, Embassy of USA in Riga / Latvia, State Museum of Art, Riga / Latvia and many other public and private collections.
Laimonis Mieriņš’ paintings were first presented to the Latvian audience in 1995 when an inclusive, travelling, retrospective exhibition was organised at the State Museum of Art. In 2001 and 2003 the artist’s solo exhibitions were on view at the Riga Gallery. Mieriņš’ abstract paintings are typified by clear geometric forms and bright colours. The strong composition made of geometric elements is complemented by spontaneous strokes or drippings of coloured lines, creating an emotional and sensual impression. Mieriņš’ drawings express a powerful sense of form. His nudes are usually placed in a twisted position with their bodies in a continuous tension. With flowing strokes of black charcoal Mieriņš creates a strongly outlined human body in space. The artist’s drawings skilfully depict nudes’ complicate postures and show a proficient mastering of line.
Laimonis Mieriņš: „To paint or to draw is to think with colour and form. Thus visual ideas and emotions are expressed not possible in any other discipline. In painting I like to use distinctive forms and interacting colours to create optical illussions where controlled splashes and dripping colours release subconscious tensions. Female nude holding an unusual position inspires me to draw. With a sensuous black line I spontaneously create an image of female nude in space.”
In 2004 Laimonis Mieriņš received the writer Anšlavs Eglītis’ (1906 – 1993) and his spouse, painter Veronika Janelsiņa’s (1910 – 2001) Foundation Prize in art.
The retrospective exhibition by Laimonis Mieriņš is on view June 16th – July 9th.


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