The concept which curator is proposing in relation to the exhibition is based on a pronouncement from the philosopher Karl Popper:  “I am determined to spend the rest of my life in propagandising intellectual modesty.”  In terms of discussing this pronouncement, which dates back to the 1980s, I would like to say that it is becoming more and more important in intellectual terms.  In fact, I would say that it can be seen as a timely discourse.

Popper criticised traditions at Western universities which teach people “to speak in a manner that is unintelligible and impressive,” arguing that there is “unprecedented intellectual immodesty in the environment of intellectuals” and that this is irresponsible.  Popper’s theory about Three Worlds and the issue of how the Third World (theories) influences other worlds in terms of the “fashion of intellectual modesty” which he wanted to implement have been given the sense and importance of responsibility.

Concepts related to Modernism and Post-Modernism as the leading sources of inspiration for contemporary art are fairly much in line with the wonderful thesis which Popper proposed in relation to “unprecedented intellectual immodesty.”  This is a concept which feeds and excites artists all around the world.

Title of the exhibition is based on Popper’s quote in a polemic way:  “Is It That He Does Not Seek The Truth, But Does Want To Influence?” It relates primarily not to the truth of the object, but instead to the truth of the subject.  In other words, this exhibition will focus on the After-Postmodernism’s shift toward intersubjectivism.

The exhibition shows artists Gints Gabrāns, Arturs Bērziņš, Ēriks Apaļais, Ilmārs Blumbergs, Kristaps Ģelzis, Diāna Adamaite, Džemma Skulme, Jānis Avotiņš, Sigita Daugule, Ginters Krumholcs, Māris Upzars, Krišs Salmanis, Ieva Iltnere, Laura Prikule un Eva Vēvere, Andris Eglītis, Sandra Krastiņa, Daiga Krūze, Biruta Baumane, Linda Kozule, Imants Lancmanis, Aija Zariņa, Laima Puntule, Vineta Kaulača, Anna Heinrihsone, Laura Feldberga, Ernests Kļaviņš, Ivars Heinrihsons, Miķelis Fišers, Pēteris Taukulis, Reinis Pētersons, Māris Bišofs, Inga Meldere, Kaspars Podnieks, Māris Subačs, Edvards Grūbe, Barbara Gaile, Kristians Brekte, Kaspars Zariņš, Ritums Ivanovs, Līga Purmale, Aigars Bikše, Jānis Kupčs, Izolde Cēsniece, Ivars Drulle and others. Conceptual scenography of the exhibition is made by german artist Christian Helwing.

The exhibition shows also social and economic channels of real art life. Curator made a choice of artists and art works both on her own account and cooperating with important partners – collectors, galleries, museum, organizations and they are: Latvian Artists Union data base, VEF art centre, family Zuzāns art collection, Māris Vītols art collection, art galleries „Rīga gallery”, „Daugava”, „Alma”, „Gallery 21”, „Ivonna Veiherte art gallery”, „Māksla XO”, „Tifāna”, „Pegazs”, „Ibid Projects” London and Ventspils’ museum. Curator thanks very much Inguna Irbe, Odrija Fišere, Jānis Zuzāns, Diāna Barčevska, Sniedze Kāle, Māris Vītols, Inese Riņķe, Anda Treija, Astrīda Riņķe, Ivonna Veiherte, Ilze Žeivate, Ilze Kuišele, Līga Sāne, Ieva Rupenheite for cooperation.  

The exhibition „Is It That He Does Not Seek The Truth, But Does Want To Influence?" in Riga Art Space will be open until January 29, 2012. During the exhibition there will be served traditional Late Breakfast on Sundays where audience can meet the curator, artists, gallerists, collectors, members of organizations.