ETNO-GRAPHICA: Visual Interpretations of Baltic Intangible Cultural Heritage

Postdoctoral researcher: Toms Ķencis
Consulting mentor: Benedikts Kalnačs
Duration: 01.2021-06.2023.
Funded by: ERDF, no. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/4/20/628

The basic research project taps into the intersection of intangible cultural heritage and art history. It explores visual interpretations of folklore in Baltic states – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia – during the Late Socialism period (1968-1991). The project pioneers application of emerging Baltic Postcolonialism theory to the cultural history of folklore.

The focus of this study is printmaking or graphic art. The archive-based research will incorporate national and international analysis of sociocultural history with three case studies of artists in corresponding countries. Highly interdisciplinary study will generate new knowledge with a purpose to valorise heritage-based cultural production and inform ongoing discussions on national identities and the Baltic Soviet past. To maximize the impact, apart from academic articles, a conference, a special issue of a journal, presentations and public lectures, outcomes of the project include the development of an innovative documentary movie and immersive 3D experience. Project duration is 30 months; it will take place in Latvia with secondments in Estonia and a research visit to Lithuania.