“Say My Name” — Solo Exhibition by artist and therapeutic art coach Ance Gricmane at B bārs, Riga, Latvia

On August 25th, 2025, Latvian-born artist Ance Gricmane opened her solo exhibition “Say My Name” at B bārs and Restaurant - one of the oldest affluent restaurants in Riga, located in the heart of Riga’s Doma Square. The show presents 15 artworks spanning different periods of the artist’s creative journey — each reflecting the dialogue between inner transformation and outer expression.

The exhibition combines pieces that are powerfully abstract, with expressive brushstrokes, vivid colors, and musical notations, alongside works that are more quiet, intimate, and contemplative. Materials and techniques are layered with depth: 24-carat gold, oil paints, textured surfaces, graffiti elements — each canvas becoming not only an artwork, but also an emotional landscape.

This exhibition is also an unspoken greeting to the artist’s homeland, Latvia. Several works are directly inspired by Latvian traditions and memories, including Jāņi (Midsummer celebrations) with their deep-rooted symbolism of renewal, as well as the timeless ritual of collecting amber on the Baltic seaside. Through these cultural threads, the exhibition not only tells a personal story but also reflects the collective memory of a nation.

✨ “Bringing this exhibition to Riga is deeply personal for me. It feels like a dialogue with my homeland — a way of saying that no matter how far I travel, the spirit of Latvia, its traditions, and its light are always alive in my work,” shares Ance Gricmane.

The opening evening was a true celebration of creativity and cultural exchange. The event gathered business angels, collectors, and cultural figures, including well-known Latvian singer M. Naumova, composer A. Selickis, and leading members of society. Even internationally recognized gallerists were seen enjoying the exhibition in the company of their families — a sign of the growing resonance of Gricmane’s work in wider art circles.

Why visit the exhibition at B bārs?

• Atmosphere: The location itself — B bārs in Doma Square — is a cultural landmark, merging gastronomy, music, and art under one roof. Visitors can enjoy high-end dining and cocktails while immersing themselves in a curated art experience.

• Unique opportunity: The show gathers works from different stages of Gricmane’s artistic journey, making it possible to follow the artist’s personal and creative evolution in one place.

• Living art: The exhibition highlights art as not just a collectible object, but as a method of wellbeing and reflection, offering visitors an emotional journey beyond aesthetics.

The Role of a Manager in an Artist’s Journey

The exhibition also raises a broader question: how can creative professionals expand their influence and reach? For artists, the partnership with a manager can be transformative. Special thanks to curator Kristine Tarvida.

Here are three key reasons:

1. Visibility & Reach

   • A manager builds bridges between the artist and audiences the artist may not access alone — from collectors and cultural institutions to international media.

2. Value & Positioning

   • By shaping how artworks are presented and contextualized, a manager helps ensure the artist’s creations are understood as both culturally significant and valuable investments.

3. Sustainability & Focus

   • With organizational, financial, and promotional support, a manager allows the artist to focus on creativity and innovation, while ensuring their art reaches a broader audience as a method of healing, wellbeing, and inspiration.

“Say My Name” is on view at B bārs and Restaurant, Doma Square, Riga until 25th of September. Visitors are welcome to experience the fusion of art, music, and atmosphere in the vibrant setting of Riga’s Old Town.