Latvia’s “Untamed Assembly” at the Venice Biennale: A Reflection of Utopian Ideals and Fashion’s Future
Latvia is set to showcase a compelling exhibition, “Untamed Assembly: Backstage of Utopia,” at the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, opening May 9, 2026. The pavilion will feature a modern work by the artist duo MAREUNROL’S, in collaboration with fashion designer Bruno Birmanis, drawing inspiration from the archives of the Untamed Fashion Assemblies (UFA) – a series of experimental events held in Riga between 1990 and 1999.
The Legacy of Untamed Fashion Assemblies
The UFA, founded by Bruno Birmanis, emerged during a period of significant political and social transformation. It challenged conservative norms inherited from the Soviet era and offered an alternative to Western commercialized fashion markets. The assemblies expanded fashion beyond its traditional boundaries, incorporating visual art, music, and club culture. This spirit of experimentation and defiance is central to the upcoming exhibition.
Exploring Utopian Visions and Collective Imagination
Curated by Inga Lāce and Adomas Narkevičius, “Untamed Assembly: Backstage of Utopia” investigates how collective imagination, desire, and visibility are shaped during times of shifting political and economic systems. The exhibition asks how new forms of togetherness are rehearsed “behind the scenes,” rather than on a grand stage. It’s a look at the processes of creation and the unseen labor that fuels artistic expression.
MAREUNROL’S Installation: A Backstage Perspective
MAREUNROL’S’s installation reimagines the legacy of UFA, conceptualizing the exhibition space as a “backstage”—a realm of preparation, improvisation, and human connection. The clothing rack, a ubiquitous element of any backstage, serves as a structural component and a repository of stories. Recurring motifs like birds and textile sculptures evoke themes of flight, risk, and fragility.
Fashion as a Tool for Identity and Resistance
The UFA utilized bodily display and costume as tools for negotiating new identities through drag, role-play, and exaggeration. This approach was particularly potent in a post-Soviet context, where individuals were redefining themselves and challenging established norms. The exhibition will explore how fashion can be a powerful medium for self-expression and social commentary.
The Role of Archives and Digitalization
The exhibition incorporates newly digitized photo and video materials from Bruno Birmanis’s personal archive, offering a glimpse into the UFA’s atmosphere – rehearsals, parties, jury evaluations, and audience reactions. This highlights the importance of preserving and making accessible cultural archives for future generations.
Funding and Support for the Latvian Pavilion
The Latvian participation in the 61st Venice Art Biennale is funded by the Ministry of Culture, with a budget of 162,140 euros (including VAT). The Riga City Council is also a collaborative partner, recognizing the event’s potential to enhance the city’s image as a creative and modern European capital.
The Future of Experimental Fashion and Art Spaces
The “Untamed Assembly” exhibition points to a growing trend in the art world: a renewed interest in the intersection of fashion, performance, and social activism. Artists are increasingly using fashion not just as a form of aesthetic expression, but as a means of exploring identity, challenging power structures, and fostering community.
The Rise of Interdisciplinary Art
The collaboration between MAREUNROL’S and Bruno Birmanis exemplifies the rise of interdisciplinary art practices. Artists are no longer confined to traditional mediums; they are embracing hybrid forms that blur the boundaries between disciplines. This trend is driven by a desire to address complex social and political issues in innovative ways.
The Importance of Archival Research
The exhibition’s reliance on the UFA archives underscores the importance of preserving and studying cultural heritage. Archival research can provide valuable insights into the past, informing contemporary artistic practices and inspiring new creative directions.
The Backstage as a Metaphor for Creative Process
The concept of the “backstage” as a central theme resonates with a broader interest in demystifying the creative process. Audiences are increasingly fascinated by the unseen labor, experimentation, and collaboration that proceed into creating art. This trend is reflected in the popularity of behind-the-scenes documentaries and artist talks.
FAQ
Q: What is the Untamed Fashion Assemblies (UFA)?
A: The UFA was a series of experimental fashion, art, and performance events held in Riga, Latvia, between 1990 and 1999, founded by Bruno Birmanis.
Q: Who are MAREUNROL’S?
A: MAREUNROL’S is a Latvia-based artist duo comprised of Mārīte Mastiņa-Pēterkopa and Rolands Pēterkops.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Latvian Pavilion?
A: You can visit the official website at https://www.latvianpavilion.lv/ or follow them on Instagram at @lv_pavilion and @untamedassembly.
Q: When does the exhibition open?
A: The exhibition opens on May 9, 2026, at the Arsenale in Venice, Italy.
Did you understand? The UFA gained international recognition, with coverage in publications like Vogue, The Guardian, BBC, and MTV, briefly positioning Riga as an avant-garde fashion center.
Pro Tip: Explore the work of other artists who blend fashion and performance art, such as Marina Abramović and Hussein Chalayan, to gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic field.
We encourage you to follow the Latvian Pavilion’s journey to the Venice Biennale and explore the themes of utopian thinking, collective imagination, and the power of fashion as a tool for social change. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
