Kristaps Gulbis (born 26 July 1967) is a Latvian sculptor and artist known for numerous contemporary art projects in more than 25 countries. His works have been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, the Museum of Modern Art in Hokaido, Japan, and at metropolitan sites in London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Riga, Moscow and other European cities, as well as in New York, Seoul, and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The visual art projects curated, directed and managed by Gulbis have been set in England, Hungary, Germany, Latvia, Estonia and elsewhere in Europe.
Some of the artist's most notable work include his project Pink House (together with Aigars Bikše) presented at the 51st Venice Biennale, Italy; the Monument to Freedom (2018) in Belgium, and The Pine Trees of Rainis (Raiņa Priedes; 2014) in Latvia commemorating the famous Latvian poet and playwright Rainis.
Gulbis has lectured at various US universities and art centres across Europe, Asia and the US. Some of the most notable include the University of Southern California (UCSC) and the University of New Mexico. In 2012 Gulbis was the SPARC's International Artist in Residence and has collaboratted with the Bank of America, CEC Artslink, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), the McColl Center for Art and Innovation and other international institutions. He has been the Leitrim Sculpture Centre artist-in-residence in Ireland, as well as one in Sapporo, Japan, England, UK, Italy, Austria, the US, South Korea, Taiwan and other countries.
Career
In 1991 Gulbis graduated the Estonian Academy of Arts and since have been active in the international art scene. His first solo exhibition in 1992 in Riga was quickly followed by the second in 1993. Shortly after in 1996 his work could already be seen in Italy, Poland, Moscow and Germany before spreading to a wider international scene encompassing the US, Asia and the rest of Europe.
In 2016 Gulbis co-founded the design company Kiel Arto Design in collaboration with P.Kalnins adapting an innovative, unique and environmentally friendly approach to product design and functional art. Kiel Arto Design was showcased in the 2017 and 2018 Architectural Digest Design Show in New York City, US and the ICFF in Miami and was handpicked by Architectural Digest as one of the '17 On-the-Rise Designers You Should Know Now' about.
As a recognised artist Gulbis has appeared as a speaker, guest and expert in various TV and radio shows, publications, discussions, talks and debates.
Works by Gulbis can be found in the permanent collections and storage vaults of the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Tartu Art Museum.
In recent years Gulbis has been a recognised Expert for the European Commission Creative Europe project.
Works
Kristaps Gulbis has been exhibited alongside numerous recognised artists, as well as being solo exhibited in art centres, museums and public spaces, and produced nationally and internationally recognised monuments and sculptures. He has been portrayed by Lisa Esherick.
Projects and monuments
The Teodors Hermanovskis Monument (2020), Monument, Jaunjelgava, Latvia. The Jūrmala White Seagull (Jūrmalas baltā kaija; 2020), an environmental object, Latvia. Monument to Freedom (2018), Monument to Latvian Legionnaires and Freedom, Zedelgem, Belgium. The Pine Trees of Rainis (Raiņa Priedes, 2014), Monument, Amatas street, Jurmala. CacheArt, a contemporary art form created by Gulbis, based on GPS utilisation leading to mixed interactive and observative contemporary art. CacheArt (2010), Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), New York City, US CacheArt. 14th Street (2012), AiOP (Art in Odd Places), an internationally recognised large-scale art festival, New York City, US. CacheArt. Is this one real? (2014), Environmental Art Park Ii, Finland. National Costume of European Union (2006), 25 European Union member countries. Pink House (2005)(together with A.Bikse), The 51st Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy. Chairs (2000), an open air object, Cooperations, Luxembourg. Investigating Airspace (2000), Sculpture in Woodland, County Wicklow, Ireland.