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The exhibition depicts poet Olafs Gūtmanis’ nine expeditions to Siberia, during which he went hunting and fishing while exploring and documenting this peculiar land. The photographs capture both the pristine nature of Siberia and its stories.

The exhibition invites viewers to explore the landscapes of Siberia and, through the prism of photographs, to feel the historical legacy associated with the painful chapters of the Latvian nation. The images capture not only the natural scenery but also the silent stories that tell of the everyday life, resilience, and hopes of the exiled Latvians.

Siberia is a vast, wild, and harsh land. Its landscapes hold countless stories of resilience, loss, and hope. The photo exhibition “Dazed by Primordial Siberia” is a visual journey through the places that once became the forced home of thousands of Latvians. In these images, Siberia is not just a harsh land; it is also a living, breathing world where nature thrives with unstoppable force. These photographs serve as a bridge between the past and the present—between the personal and the historical, between loss and beauty.

Visvaldis Vecvagars, one of Olafs Gūtmanis’ companions, along with members of the Liepāja branch of the Latvian People’s Front, will also participate in the opening of the exhibition. The opening will feature songs by Edgars Silacērps with lyrics by Olafs Gūtmanis. All interested are welcome to attend and learn about this historical and artistic testimony.

The exhibition “Dazed by Primordial Siberia” will be on display at the Liepāja Occupation Museum, 7/9 K. Ukstiņa Street, until November 19, 2025.

Please note that photography and video recording will take place at the opening of the exhibition. The materials obtained will be used for publicity purposes for the event and the Liepāja Museum and the Liepāja Occupation Museum. By being present at the event, you acknowledge that you are aware of being included in the audio or visual material.

Photo: Olafs Gūtmanis with fellow travelers Vilberts Dālderis and Egons Vītols in Siberia.

Sandra Šēniņa,
Head of the Liepāja Museum Structural Unit “Liepāja Occupation Museum”
Mob. +371 27048864
E-mail: sandra.senina@liepaja.lv