Rīgas cirks Riga Circus by Ieva Epnere

The Circus by Ieva Epnere offers an intimate exploration of the Riga Circus, reflecting on its enduring traditions, performances, and nomadic family culture. Rooted in Epnere’s four-year immersion during her DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program fellowship, the book visually narrates the life behind one of Europe’s oldest circus institutions, established in 1888.

Structured into four thematic acts, the publication blends fine-tuned digital color shots, dynamic black-and-white 35mm film prints, bursts of vibrant film photos, and intimate performer portraits. Epnere’s lens captures the essence of circus life, from elephants and clowns to the intricate machinery of performances, presenting a deeply personal and evocative portrait of this storied cultural world. Through her kaleidoscopic perspective, The Circus becomes a compelling reinvention of an age-old art form.