Two New Exhibitions at LNMM: The History of Drawing and a Contemporary Perspective

The Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMM) is preparing to open two significant exhibitions focusing on drawing as an artistic medium. Both displays will highlight the diversity and rich tradition of this form of expression.

The first exhibition, titled “Embodied Thought,” is devoted to the history of drawing in Latvia. It will trace how drawing evolved from a simple academic exercise into an independent artwork and a vehicle for storytelling. The exhibition will feature works by 94 artists, totaling 300 drawings, showcasing the medium’s various forms and functions—from sketches and drafts to fully realized pieces.

The second exhibition, “Contemporary Drawing,” has traveled to LNMM from the renowned Centre Pompidou in Paris. It will present an international perspective on contemporary drawing, demonstrating how artists today use this medium—as a free space for thought, a personal narrative, or a social commentary.

Together, the two exhibitions offer a comprehensive overview of drawing—from its historical layers in Latvia to current global trends. The museum invites visitors to explore this deceptively simple yet complex form of visual art.