The series „Classics of Latvian Art” presents a book about Hilda Vīka.
The strangely compelling work of Hilda Vīka (1897–1963), whose naïve naturalness blended sense and sensibility, and scenes and figures from both nature and imagination, was a bright phenomenon of Latvian art scene of the 1920s–30s.
Valda Knāviņa
The artist’s creative output was very broad, from finely executed black and white drawings to subtle, vivid watercolours and uniquely stylised landscapes, portraits and nudes. She also wrote poems, stories and novels, which she personally illustrated as well. Hilda Vīka’s art is still controversial, admired and revered by some, reviled by detractors, while others try to “decode” it, seeking parallels between the art of Europe and Latvia of her time.
The series „Classics of Latvian Art” includes books of medium size, offering an easily perceptible information about Latvian classical artists and their works. Similar to the „STUDIJA Library” the series „Classics of Latvian Art” is intended as bilingual (Latvian/English), richly illustrated publications. An attractive supplement at the end of each book is a timeline where the life of Latvian artists can be viewed within the context of world events, revealing connections, parallels or just interesting coincidences.