Kochi: Arta Raituma, who once admired the rituals of nature worship in her hometown Riga, Latvia, now creates art using fire, candles, matchsticks, and gas torches.
Inspired by nature-worship traditions from Latvia to Kerala, her art embodies a deep connection to fire as both a creative and ritualistic element. A guest lecturer at the Latvian Art Academy, she has held fire art workshops and exhibitions across Europe and America, and is now bringing her unique craft to Kerala.
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Her workshop at ‘Aala’ in Mulanthuruthy, Kochi, on March 23 will focus on creating images on plywood using fire and charcoal, exclusively with organic materials. “The art is formed by burning patterns into wood—each flame stroke is part of the creative process,” she explained during her visit to Kadavanthra Girinagar FAM Production Company.
Arta’s journey into fire painting began after completing her higher studies in painting, when her mentor Mikkeli Fishers encouraged her to explore unconventional methods. Latvia, which gained independence from the Soviet Union, has a rich tradition of nature worship, which deeply influences her work.
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Her connection to Kerala emerged through her friendship with Prem Jyothi, a filmmaker and photographer from Shoranur, whom she met at an art exhibition in Portugal. Their collaboration led to the short film ‘Last Shadow’, which gained recognition at the Athens Digital Festival and Kerala Short Film Festival.
Kerala’s fire rituals, including Theyyam, have captivated Arta. “There are deep cultural ties to fire in Kerala, and I want to witness them firsthand,” she said, expressing her desire to document these traditions in a future film project.
Her upcoming workshop in Kochi offers a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to experience the fusion of Latvian fire art and Kerala’s traditional symbolism.
