“Book Stories”.

From 10 February to 25 May 2026, the Aleksandrs Čaks Museum at 48-8 Lāčplēša Street will host “Book Stories”, an exhibition of handmade original books by artist Ērika Māldere.

The works exhibited were created in response to events in Latvia’s cultural sphere. They incorporate various paper materials, natural elements and fibres, while also demonstrating the artist’s acquired bookbinding skills.

An artist’s original book (art book) is a work of art, an artistic form of expression that uses the form or function of a book. Book illustrations and original books have a very long history, but the artist’s original book as we know it today emerged only in the 1950s and 1960s; since then, this form of artistic expression has continued to develop and evolve. Around the world, particularly in the United States, artists’ original books have gained great popularity, and exhibitions and events are regularly held in their honour. In Latvia, this art form has unjustly been neglected, but through her work and exhibitions, the artist hopes to change the situation.

The original books are made from handmade sheets of paper produced from recycled paper pulp, abaca fibre and rhubarb pulp, supplemented with other natural materials. The paper is decorated using eco-printing, plant impressions and improvisations with indigo and blue pigments.
Ērika Māldere is a professional artist and graphic artist/designer. She runs the Dzērbene Creative House “Memberi” and a lamp design workshop, works at the Pēteris Rozenbergs Cēsis City Art School, and is a member of the Latvian Artists’ Union Designers’ Association and IAPMA—the International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists.