Uguns
The series Uguns (Fire) explores the relationship between fire and those who observe it. It reflects on the hypnotic effect of flames - a phenomenon that is at once destructive and captivating.
The series Uguns (Fire) explores the relationship between fire and those who observe it. It reflects on the hypnotic effect of flames - a phenomenon that is at once destructive and captivating.
When confronted with fire, people often do not first call the fire department. Instead, they stop to watch, photograph, or capture the spectacle. This dual perception of fire was especially evident during the Riga Castle blaze, when crowds gathered to take pictures of themselves against the backdrop of the burning landmark. The resulting images appear almost surreal: everyday moments unfolding in front of an extraordinary and threatening scene.
Throughout history, fire has held a fundamental role in human civilisation. It provides warmth, light, and a means to prepare food, yet it also carries the power to destroy and to kill. This duality has compelled people to both revere and control it. In Christian tradition, fire has symbolised God’s presence — appearing repeatedly in the Old Testament — while also embodying the evil of Satan. This symbolic tension underscores fire’s ambivalent nature, deeply rooted in the collective consciousness of humanity. Flames continue to draw people in, whether knowingly or instinctively, embodying both fear and fascination.
