Camouflage net artwork exhibition “GADS” (year) on display at Riga Airport

Continuing its unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom, RIX Riga Airport has opened a unique and emotionally charged exhibition of camouflage net art work titled “GADS” (year). The exhibition features 12 one-of-a-kind artworks made from camouflage nets. Each piece carries its own color scheme and symbolic message, emphasizing solidarity with Ukraine’s defenders and drawing attention to the war, which is nearing its three-year mark.

The “GADS” exhibition was initiated by the charity organization Tavi draugi (“Your Friends”). The weaving of camouflage nets began last spring in response to requests from Ukrainian military units. These nets serve to conceal equipment, ammunition, vehicles, and humanitarian cargo from the aggressor.

Thanks to the active involvement of local citizens, net-weaving efforts have expanded significantly. Camouflage nets are now being made not only at the charity’s hangar in Riga, Ventspils Street 50, but also across Latvia in towns such as Ikšķile, Cēsis, Suntaži, Sigulda, Vaidava, Rēzekne, and beyond. All workshops have been united under the “Net Alliance”, which aims to give every Latvian citizen the opportunity to contribute by handcrafting high-quality nets that support Ukraine’s armed forces in their fight against the aggressor. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and supporters, 114 camouflage nets covering nearly 3,430 square meters have already been woven and delivered to soldiers on the front lines.

To promote the work of the “Net Alliance” and remind the public that the war continues and we must not give up, a traveling exhibition of camouflage net artworks was created.

The “GADS” exhibition consists of 12 net artworks, each representing a month of the year. These pieces were crafted by Ukraine’s friends and supporters, including educator and camouflage net weaver Vaira Lejniece, jeweler Daumants Kalniņš, head of Tavi draugi Ulvis Noviks, veteran camouflage net weaver Aldis Romanovskis, TV3 journalist Kristīne Garklāva, officer of the National Guard Headquarters Major Jānis Slaidiņš, founder of the “Twitter Convoy” initiative and Member of the European Parliament Reinis Pozņaks, Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce, head of the “Net Alliance” workshop in Cēsis Inese Ločmele-Jansone, pianist Andrejs Osokins, TV3 journalist Ieva Vārna, and costume designer and co-founder of the Ganta Foundation Ieva Ādamsone.

Renāte Grundštoka, project manager of the Tavi draugi camouflage net workshop, shared: “We are convinced that, in the end, good will triumph. These paintings reflect that hope—snowdrops blooming from war-torn lands, an amber path shining with promise, a flourishing birch grove, and the anticipation of victory. These works embody the emotions, imagination, and artistic diversity of Ukraine’s friends and supporters. Weaving camouflage nets is yet another way for anyone to contribute to Ukraine’s tireless fight for freedom and independence.”

The “GADS” exhibition is on display at Riga Airport’s passenger terminal, in the gallery leading to Departure Sector C, until February 14.