A native of Koknese, Kārlis Lakše was a Latvian photographer and painter who lived from 1892 to 1949 and left a legacy of over 3,000 photographic negatives on glass plates. These plates are only a small part of his photos, as most were destroyed during World War II.

“In his works, Lakše immortalised both the values lost for Latvia, such as Pērses waterfall, and untouched natural landscapes, particularly in the neighbourhood of Koknese, the views of Latgale and Kurzeme, as well as fellow countrymen and gatherings important for people, including horse races, open-air dance parties, theatrical performances and agricultural exhibitions,” Maira Dudareva, head of the Latvian Museum of Photography, explains.

In parallel with the craft of photography, Lakše was a civil servant in charge of the Koknese Cultural Society and worked in the Koknese Commandant’s Office and the Riga Land Survey Department. Furthermore, the artist created scenery for theatrical performances and masquerade balls and also compiled geographic maps with views.

“This is the fifteenth year that Latio has been honouring Latvian masters of photography by publishing a calendar of black-and-white photography, which contains a selection of the most brilliant works of authors. There is no pretentiousness and embellishments in the works of Lakše. They depict everyday life, and this personal touch gives the works a cultural and historical value, says Edgars Šīns, the Chairman of the Board at Latio.

The opening of the exhibition of black-and-white photography was held together with the presentation of the calendar. The general public will have the opportunity to attend the exhibition free of charge in the premises of Kern Residences at 6Citadeles Street, Riga, every Thursday in January from 15:00 to 19:00 hours. For more information, please visit www.latio.lv.