This series of four paintings is dedicated to Farida Zaletilo - the visionary curator and driving force who single-handedly transformed the dream of the Mark Rothko Art Centre into reality in Daugavpils, Latvia.

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During my Individual Art Residency at the Centre, I heard Farida’s story on the very first day. I learned that this internationally significant institution - of immense cultural value to the entire Baltic region - was born from her unwavering vision and determination, despite facing considerable scepticism, even within her own professional circles.

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Mark Rothko, one of the most important artists of the 20th century, spent his childhood in Daugavpils until the age of thirteen. Farida’s mission was to bring his legacy back to the city of his birth. As the project’s original driving force and concept co-author, she established connections with the Rothko family in the early 2000s, persistently wrote hundreds of letters, reached out to stakeholders around the world, and led the effort that made the impossible possible. Today the Rothko Museum stands as a cultural beacon, featuring original works by Rothko and hosting world-class exhibitions.

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She did it for art.

She did it for culture.

She did it for us.​