In her works, photographer Iveta Gabaliņa often explores the relationship between environment and people, focusing on presence and reflection. In the Nice Touch section, Iveta talks about a habit that allows her to escape from everyday «noise».

The exhibition Chestnut and the Universe will reveal the wide range of the author’s work — from bright, internationally recognised illustrations to personal, spiritual paintings in which contemporary visual language is intertwined with motifs from Christian tradition.

In mid-January, furniture design brand Kanttari participated in the prestigious interior design fair Maison&Objet in Paris, where they presented the Orion bar cabinet, created in collaboration with glass artist Artis Nīmanis.

Artist and designer Aleksandrs Breže creates his conceptually multi-layered works in both the digital environment and material reality, thus expanding the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. In the Nice Touch section, he talks about how to overcome a creative block.

From February 12 until April 16, ISSP Gallery will host the solo exhibition of photographer Iveta Gabaliņa, Forest Evenings. It addresses the disappearance of forests and reflects on the role of humans in processes related to both the biological and cultural dimensions of forests.

Originally conceived as Andris Eglītis’ exhibition catalogue, the publication has been created as an independent creative work, developed in close collaboration between the artist, photographer Reinis Hofmanis, designer Una Grants, and the writers.

The sustainable fashion and youth culture platform Bourzma invites young fashion designers to apply for the Bourzma Boutique fashion show and competition, which will take place in Riga on May 21 and 22.

Book designer Alexey Murashko has been included in the ED Agencies League ranking compiled by the European Design Awards, placing eighteenth overall and first in the Editorial & Publications category.

Photographer Madara Kuplā portrays buildings and interiors with an architectural understanding and artistic sensibility, skilfully capturing the play of light, textures, and colours. In the Nice Touch section, Madara recommends a good way to spend your lunch break to get back to work with renewed energy.

Aleksandrs Breže’s exhibition Threshold, on view at gallery Ansi until February 15, explores the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds, between art and design, form and function with digital tools becoming an extension of traditional craftsmanship.

Graphic designer Dans Jirgensons is fascinated by archiving processes and likes to experiment with visual nuances that may seem outdated, anonymous, or forgotten at first. In the Nice Touch section, Dans talks about a very ordinary but effective tool for time management.

This year, the Latvian Television programme Kultūršoks has unveiled a new visual and sound identity, created by artist Roberts Rūrāns, animator Eduards Balodis, and sound designer Pēteris Pāss. The programme’s opening sequence, or theme animation, depicts a detective moving through a rich and colourful cultural landscape.