Silja Pogule

Silja Pogule is a Latvian contemporary artist specializing in textiles and painting. Her artistic journey began during her formative years, influenced by the ever-changing colors of Latvia's landscape and her grandmother's expertise in textile craft.

She holds a Master's degree in Painting from the Art Academy of Latvia, having previously studied textile art at the Estonian Academy of Arts and the Riga School of Design and Art. Pogule’s art is distinguished by its vibrant colors and abstract forms, gracefully marrying painting and textiles into a harmonious whole.

Silja Pogule has held ten solo exhibitions featuring her paintings and textile works, participated in numerous group exhibitions across Europe, and received scholarships to create exchange projects between Sweden and Latvia, as well as Norway and Latvia.

Actively involved in the conceptual art group “LN Women’s League Project,” Pogule uses staged photography, performances, and discussions to explore women's self-image and social roles.

Having worked nearly two decades as a freelance graphic designer, Pogule’s artistic practice is deeply influenced by the principles of design. The vibrant color palettes, crisp graphic shapes, and meticulous attention to detail prevale...

MFA Art Academy of Latvia (painting)
Tallinn University of Art (textile)
Riga College of Art and Design (textile)

Silja Pogule has had ten solo exhibitions featuring her paintings and textile works, including:
"A Collection of Modular Sweets" at the Jurmala Museum and Ventspils Museum (2022-2024)
"Warp Tool" at the gallery "M Māksla" in Riga (2019)
"Laime" at the gallery "Mākslas banka" in Riga (2015)
"Pose-Opose" at the club "Slepenais eksperiments" in Riga (1997) ...and others.
She has actively participated in the LN Women’s League Project, contributing to twelve group projects. Notable projects include the performance "Results of Conversing" at the Riga Stock Exchange (1999) and the photo series "Hearts" (1997). These were showcased in international contemporary art exhibitions curated by Božana Pejić, dedicated to Eastern European art, such as:
“After the Wall” at the Moderna Museet in Stockholm (1999)
“Gender Check. Femininity and Masculinity in the Art of Eastern Europe” at MUMOK in Vienna and Zachęta National Gallery of Art in Warsaw (2009-2010).
Additionally, she has exhibited in group shows, including:
“ODYSEE,” National Touring Exhibition in Norway (2001): Sogn og Fjordane, Varanger Saminski Museum, Namsos Nord-Tronderlag Fylkesgalleri, Kulturhuset, Tromso Kunstforening, Bodo Kunstforening
“With Love” at Tensta Konsthall, Stockholm, ...